Nickeil Alexander-Walker proved to fans why he is the perfect fit in Atlanta after an inspiring first preseason performance. The former Jazz and Timberwolves sixth man dropped 13 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal on 5-8 from the field and 3-6 from deep in just 16 minutes of action.
Alexander-Walker is best known as a 3 and D player, and he lived up to his reputation in his debut against the Houston Rockets. In the first quarter, he found himself switched onto Steven Adams. While this is a mismatch, the bigger mismatch was Luke Kennard guarding Jabari Smith Jr. in the low post.
Adams looked to feed Smith Jr. as he fought Kennard for post positioning before Alexander-Walker swiped the ball out of Adams’ hands, creating a fast break opportunity. Adams then fouled Alexander-Walker out of frustration, leading to a clear path foul.
This is the Nickeil Alexander-Walker experience in a nutshell. His relentless energy, high IQ, and impressive length allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Alexander-Walker brings a breath of fresh air in Atlanta
Despite his reputation, however, Alexander-Walker showed flashes of a skill set capable of alleviating one of the Hawks’ most pressing concerns: their lack of creation when Trae Young rests. In the preseason and early regular season of last year, Minnesota attempted to pass point guard responsibilities to their sixth man to help phase the aging Mike Conley into a smaller role. This experiment failed, however.
Alexander-Walker appears to have taken strides in this regard this offseason. His most impressive playmaking display came in the early second quarter. NAW beat a defender with the threat of his jumpshot from the right wing. After a probing drive, Alexander-Walker drew help from Clint Capela, who was guarding Zaccharie Risacher, before delivering a perfectly executed jump pass behind Capela to a cutting Risacher for an open layup.
On the next offensive possession, Alexander-Walker received the ball in transition on the opposite wing. Smith Jr. guarded him, which should be a mismatch in favor of the Rockets. Undeterred by this, Alexander-Walker created a driving lane by stepping back to the three point line and attacking Smith Jr.’s leverage on the closeout. He spun off the taller defender before driving laterally across the paint to sink a tough running hook shot over Smith Jr.'s outstretched hands.
This look certainly isn’t his most efficient shot. Still, the ability to buy a bucket in isolation is a significant development to watch, even if it was made easier by being a transition look.
A less noteworthy takeaway from the game is that Alexander-Walker is still an elite role player. He sank two corner threes assisted by slashing teammates, and his third three came on an early shot clock attempt where he caught the defense sleeping. While this is not a surprise, when was the last time the Hawks had a player capable of the two-way floor-stretching performance NAW showcased?
Alexander-Walker is a sight for the sore eyes of Hawks fans who have desperately craved a player of this archetype and caliber.