One of the most interesting things about the yearly draft cycle is how a rookie can change the outlook of a roster. Since this year's draft is loaded with a litany of potential star guards in the making, the Hawks would be wise to grab one, and doing so could have a profound impact on Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s role.
NAW's adaptability could make him perfect for this transition
If the Hawks draft a new point guard, they would likely start on opening night. It would give the rookie a healthy amount of exposure to NBA pace, especially since Atlanta already has two playmakers in the starting lineup with Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson.
Since there would be three playmakers, it would relinquish Alexander-Walker of any huge playmaking responsibilities. He was able to jump from 9.4 points to 20.8 in one season, and now he’ll have the opportunity to average even more.
His scoring ability took a massive leap along with his increased usage. Along with an 11.4 point jump, he finished the season on 46/40/90 shooting splits. He’s able to create for himself and shoot the ball from deep consistently.
It’s clear he was one of, if not the best, free agency signing last summer, and now he’s expected to follow up a successful debut season in Atlanta with a better performance next season.
Nickeil should naturally perform as the team's long-term shooting guard
The next three years will be interesting as we find out more about Alexander-Walker’s potential. He was able to maintain a high level of defense, so if he’s able to perform in the playoffs, it’ll increase the Hawks' potential exponentially.
Adding a 6’5" Mikel Brown Jr. would solidify the Hawks' size in their lineup for the future, as well as their high-level shooting. Onsi Saleh has some key decisions to make, and other than the tricky upcoming draft, CJ McCollum’s contract remains one of the biggest.
He’s made it clear that the city of Atlanta is great for him and his family, as he approaches his 35th birthday in September. It’s hard to deny the impact he had in the playoffs, especially now that the New York Knicks have taken the NBA throne.
Alexander-Walker needs to have a greater postseason impact
McCollum helped the Hawks take a 2-1 lead over the would-be champions, and it’s hard to put a price on his impact. If the front office chooses youth over experience, we could see Alexander-Walker fulfill McCollum’s veteran role.
His performance last season proved he can be a consistent scorer, and he held the Hawks down in the huddle during times of adversity - similar to Victor Wembanyama’s emotion during the Spurs' run to the NBA Finals. Now we just have to see how Nickeil Alexander-Walker will perform in the 2027 NBA Playoffs.
If he’s able to avenge his 13.7 point average in his six games against the eventual champions, the minor lineup adjustment will produce a major difference. One of the reasons the Hawks lost was the lack of halfcourt shot creation, and Alexander-Walker could be the second option to Jalen Johnson.
The young All-Star was hounded by the Knicks’ defense, and Alexander-Walker could absorb a lot of this attention, creating two viable options.
With a new talented rookie at the one, moving NAW to the two would give the Hawks long-term scoring with a hierarchy of three reliable shot-makers. They just have to make the right selection on June 23rd, and everything will fall into place.
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