Nickeil Alexander-Walker Is Leveling Up

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 23: Nickell Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena on November 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Note to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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When role players change teams, oftentimes, they simply provide what they have always done, just in a different uniform.

However, sometimes, that pattern breaks, and the player finds himself with an expanded role and more opportunities, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Hawks is the perfect landing spot

Nickeil Alexander-Walker opted for a four-season, $62 million contract with the Hawks last offseason.

The veteran guard, who has always been far more defensive than offensive, saw more scoring opportunities almost immediately when he joined Atlanta, resulting in him now adding 19.3 points per game, which is – so far – the highest in his NBA career.

In fact, this is a career high across the board. He’s taking more three-pointers than ever before (6.8 per night), getting to the line (4.4 attempts), and generally doing far more on the ball than at any other point in his career, which has provided the Hawks with an interesting new roster look.

Alexander-Walker has proven to be a highly effective and essential floor-spacer, especially for Jalen Johnson, who has developed into the team’s focal point.

By spreading out opposing defenses, they create lanes for Johnson to utilize. If the defense fools Alexander-Walker, he is able to knock down three balls from Johnson.

New look Hawks?

With Trae Young heavily involved in trade rumors, Alexander-Walker’s rise couldn’t have come at a better time.

If Johnson is to become the team’s primary player moving forward, having 3&D players around him to optimize the floor will be a strong play. Alexander-Walker should perform extra well, considering the fact that he has shown growth on the ball this season, allowing him to take additional offensive balls.

What the Hawks could get – theoretically – from Young remains to be seen, but if they are somehow able to acquire additional playmaking, defense and three-point abilities, it would go a long way for Atlanta to become a power team in the Eastern Conference.

We’ll see if they can make something happen before the February trade deadline, but it would be wise for them to keep their options open.

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