Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker named NBA's 2025-26 Most Improved Player
TL;DR
Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks has been named the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2025-26 season, achieving career highs in points, assists, rebounds, and steals. He also set a franchise record with 251 three-pointers made this season.
Key points
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker named NBA's Most Improved Player for 2025-26
- Averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals
- Set Hawks record with 251 three-pointers made in a season
- First team to have back-to-back Most Improved Award winners
- Hawks lead Knicks 2-1 in postseason series
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named as the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2025-26 season.
Alexander-Walker had a career year, starting in 71 of the 78 games he played in this season. The 27-year-old guard averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game – all personal career highs. Walker also set the Hawks record for most 3-pointers in a season, draining 251 in the 2025-26 season while shooting 39.9% from 3-point range.
Alexander-Walker was traded to Atlanta on July 6, 2025 after spending two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Hawks have become the first team to have back-to-back Most Improved Award winners. Guard Dyson Daniels won the award as a member of the Hawks last season.
Alexander-Walker and the Hawks are currently playing in the postseason, leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in an Eastern Conference first-round series.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) shoots against the New York Knicks in the third quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 23, 2026.
Previous Most Improved Player winners
- 2026: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks
- 2025: Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
- 2024: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
- 2023: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
- 2022: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
- 2021: Julius Randle, New York Knicks
- 2020: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
- 2019: Pascal Siakim, Toronto Raptors
- 2018: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
- 2017: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
- 2016: CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers
- 2015: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
- 2014: Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns
- 2013: Paul George, Indiana Pacers
- 2012: Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic
- 2011: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
- 2010: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
- 2009: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
- 2008: Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic
- 2007: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
- 2006: Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns
2025-26 NBA Awards winners
- Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
- Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs
- NBA Sportsmanship Award: Derrick White, Boston Celtics
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker voted NBA Most Improved Player
Q&A
What were Nickeil Alexander-Walker's stats for the 2025-26 season?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game during the 2025-26 season.
How did the Atlanta Hawks perform in the postseason with Alexander-Walker?
The Atlanta Hawks are currently leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Who won the NBA Most Improved Player award before Nickeil Alexander-Walker?
Dyson Daniels won the NBA Most Improved Player award last season as a member of the Atlanta Hawks.
