Nickeil Alexander-Walker's recent endorsement confirms what we all already know

It's been an unreal seventh season for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. This breakout year isn't going unnoticed, either. It did for a little while, but his two-way brilliance during the final stretch of the season has simply become impossible to ignore. The best of the best are beginning to take notice.

If there's ever a time to hop on the bandwagon, it's now. From proven players to respected coaches and prominent members of the national media, the rise of NAW as a star-level talent is taking the NBA world by storm. He's reaching new heights and those closest to him aren't surprised in the least.

Endorsement comes from someone who's seen his growth first-hand

One would immediately presume it was his teammate talking this highly in his regard, but it actually came from someone who plays in the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil's cousin and last year's Most Valuable Player, sang his praises after last night's victory.

It's been a tight race for Most Improved Player all season, but Alexander-Walker's dominance since the beginning of March has practically sealed it for him. Gilgeous-Alexander was the latest player to endorse him for that award.

Again, if anyone understands what it takes to be successful in today's NBA, it's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He didn't have anything handed to him, but he paved his own path upon getting dealt, and the league is seeing a similar unexpected rise now with his cousin.

Last season, NAW averaged just 9.4 points per game as a role player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fast forward to now, and he's averaging a career-high 20.9 points per game and is willing this Atlanta Hawks team to their first playoff appearance in years.

While on paper it shouldn't even be a discussion, there have been some other names floated around as guys who could potentially come away with the award.

Nickeil can't afford to take his foot off the gas in these final matchups

Ryan Rollins and Jalen Duren each make a strong case. Both have taken incredible leaps this season, but it's important to evaluate context when assessing who should win it. Rollins, while showcasing spectacular growth as an offensive engine, hasn't seen any sort of team success this year.

Whether that's his fault or not doesn't matter when considering what Alexander-Walker has been doing to not only raise his numbers but to impact winning. Jalen Duren makes a stronger case due to Detroit's rise in the standings, but he'll likely end up falling short due to his status as an already-rising star entering the year.

Nobody embodies this award more than Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and it's why he should, and likely will, take it home at the end of the regular season. Who knows, maybe this statement will come back to bite SGA if the two excellent guards meet in the NBA Finals.

That'd be quite the story, wouldn't it?