The Minnesota Timberwolves' biggest loss of the offseason was Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure to the Atlanta Hawks. Alexander-Walker signed a four-year $62 million contract with the Hawks, a number that was too steep for a Wolves squad pressed up near the second apron.
Unsurprisingly, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder spoke glowingly about Alexander-Walker on media day. Snyder, who previously coached Alexander-Walker for 15 games in Utah, noted his rapid improvement.
"He's a better shooter, better passer, better defender," Snyder said when asked about Alexander-Walker's improvement. Furthermore, when discussing all of the Hawks' additions, he said, "Nickeil Aalexander-Walker gives us another player that's capable of defending at the POA."
Nickeil Alexander-Walker improved massively with the Wolves
In Minnesota, NAW rejuvenated his career. During his 51 games with the Jazz across two seasons, Alexander-Walker averaged 13.3 minutes, 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. He was included in the Mike Conley trade at the 2023 deadline. During Alexander-Walker's two and a half seasons with the Wolves, he averaged 23.3 minutes, 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
As Snyder noted, Alexander-Walker improved in just about every aspect with the Wolves en route to becoming an elite role player.
With Utah (and New Orleans before that), Alexander-Walker struggled to find a consistent rotational role. Notably, the 6-foot-5 wing shot just 39.8 percent from the field and 33.7 percent from beyond the arc. Alexander-Walker's growth as a 3-point shooter with the Wolves was the most obvious area of development as he netted 38.4 percent of his deep balls.
The Virginia Tech product also became more comfortable as a secondary ball handler, which was immensely important to the Wolves' bench. Impressively, he averaged more assists (2.5) and fewer turnovers (1) with the Wolves than his previous stops. While Alexander-Walker was always a high-effort defender, he blossomed into a borderline elite point of attack defender, also displaying impressive off-ball defense.
Alexander-Walker's improvement in all areas of the game is a remarkable story and partly why he is so beloved by Wolves fans.
NAW will be vital to the Hawks' success, but he'll be missed in Minnesota
For a Hawks team that is built around Trae Young, surrounding him with as many capable defenders as possible is logical. Dyson Daniels proved his value next to Trae last season. Jalen Johnson is a highly versatile defender. As Snyder noted, Alexander-Walker's on-ball defense will make him an ideal fit for the Hawks.
From Minnesota's perspective, losing Alexander-Walker will hurt, given his stellar all-around impact. Nevertheless, having Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham all in line for bigger roles will soften the blow.