Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker named Most Improved Player

TL;DR

Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks has been named the NBA's Most Improved Player for the second consecutive year. He achieved career highs in multiple statistical categories while transitioning to a starting role this season.

Key points

Nickeil Alexander-Walker named NBA's Most Improved Player
Achieved career highs in multiple statistical categories
Transitioned from bench player to starting role
Hawks coach praised his dedication and work ethic
Contributed to the team's success alongside Dyson Daniels

Atlanta HawksMinnesota Timberwolves

For the second year in a row, an Atlanta Hawk is the Most Improved Player in the NBA.

Last season, it was Dyson Daniels. This season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned the honor.

"Nickeil's dedication, continual work on his craft, and the ensuing results this season make him incredibly deserving of this award," said Hawks coach Quin Snyder. "He has a tireless work ethic and a focus on improving in every aspect of his game. His game continues to evolve, and his commitment and unselfish attitude as a teammate have also positively impacted the success of the team."

Alexander-Walker won the award because he grew and thrived in a role that was radically different from any one he had been in before. For the previous two seasons with the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker came off the bench and was asked to be a defensive stopper and score a little, but it was more of a 3&D role, where he averaged 9.4 points a game. This season, especially as Atlanta moved on from the Trae Young era, Alexander-Walker became a starter with the ball in his hand — and he had the best year of his career in his seventh season in the league, at age 27.

Walker Sset career highs in scoring (20.8 ppg), rebounding (3.4 rpg), assists (3.7 apg), steals (1.31 spg), minutes (33.4 mpg), field goal percentage (45.9%), three-point field goal percentage (39.9%) and free throw percentage (90.2%). Plus, he, along with Daniels, gave Atlanta arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league.

Walker got 66 first-place votes from the panel of 100 media members who voted for the award. Jalen Duren from Detroit was a clear second, with Deni Avdija from Portland third. After those three, there was a pretty steep drop off to Boston's at four and 's at five.

Q&A

Why was Nickeil Alexander-Walker named Most Improved Player?

Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned the Most Improved Player award due to his significant growth in performance, transitioning from a bench role to a starter and achieving career highs in scoring and other statistics.

What were Nickeil Alexander-Walker's career highs this season?

This season, Alexander-Walker set career highs with 20.8 points per game, 3.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a field goal percentage of 45.9%.

How did Alexander-Walker's role change with the Atlanta Hawks?

Alexander-Walker transitioned from a 3&D role with the Timberwolves to a starting position with the Hawks, where he took on more responsibility and had the ball in his hands more often.