The Atlanta Hawks stole one of the most sought-after free agents in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, which further proves their new front office has the team set up to be a surprise contender in the East. There were rumors of the franchise hiring a top executive over the newly promoted Onsi Saleh, but the Hawks general manager has already changed that thinking. He got Kristaps Porzingis on a bargain, took one of steals of the draft, and picked up a likely high lottery pick from the Pelicans to move back. Now, Saleh is bringing one of the top free agents to Atlanta.
Alexander-Walker played a key 3-and-D role in the Timberwolves run to the conference finals. He will be most remembered for guarding his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but NAW is a versatile option. In his two and a half years in Minnesota, the 6’5 wing shot 38.4 percent from 3-point range and became the 3-and-D option every contender covets.
The Hawks need shooting and defense around Trae Young. He will likely come off the bench in Atlanta behind Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risarcher, but Alexander-Walker is comfortable in that role. Expect him to make shots, defend multiple positions, and close games whenever Quinn Snyder is riding the hot hand.
Hawks' new era is setting the course back to contention
Atlanta has missed the playoffs for two straight and hasn’t won a postseason series since their conference finals run in 2021. Alexander-Walker played a key reserve role in two straight conference finals trips by the Timberwolves, and the 26-year-old is just entering his prime. He won’t be happy with a first-round playoff exit, especially in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
The return of Jalen Johnson coupled with the Hawks additions gives Atlanta a shot to make a playoff run in 2026. Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard tore their Achilles in the playoffs and are expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season. That leaves the Cavs and Knicks as the healthy favorites in the East. The Hawks could quickly jump into that mix with Porzingis and Alexander-Walker playing key roles.
NAW averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.6 steals in 25.3 minutes per game last season. He will play whatever role coach Snyder asks of him and impact the game on both ends. There should be plenty of open looks flanking Trae Young, and Alexander-Walker gives them another stout defender capable of guarding on the ball in the playoffs.
The Atlanta Hawks' new front office has quickly proven to be an upgrade. Onsi Saleh is making moves and improving their roster. They see a wide-open Eastern Conference and a shot at a deep playoff run. Credit to Saleh for being bold and continuing to add assets. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the perfect fit next to Trae Young and will help the Hawks. Fans should be excited about the new era. Onward and upward from here.