Beloved Minnesota Timberwolves wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker departed the team in free agency, signing with the Atlanta Hawks. With the NBA schedule being released, we know now that NAW will return to Minnesota on February 9. While it's unfortunate that his return won't be on National TV and that the Wolves' first travel to Atlanta on December 31, NAW's return will still be an important game for Wolves fans.
Alexander-Walker was a fan favorite, so seeing him back at the Target Center will be an exciting moment for Wolves fans. Unlike some return games, there won't be any bad blood. Nevertheless, it will be cool to see him back in Minnesota competing against his old team. For both Timberwolves fans and players, getting to see NAW again will be exciting. At the same time, it will be sad to see him in a different uniform, given how important he was to the Wolves franchise.
Wolves fans will be excited to welcome NAW back to the Target Center
At the 2023 trade deadline, Alexander-Walker arrived in Minnesota as part of a trade with the Utah Jazz. In Alexander-Walker's two-and-a-half-year tenure with the Wolves, he averaged 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists with 43.3/38.4/77 shooting splits. Not only did Alexander-Walker get his career back on track with the Wolves, but he also established himself as one of the league's best role players.
With an ideal blend of on-ball defense, spot-up shooting, and secondary playmaking, Alexander-Walker is a rock-solid role player. Undoubtedly, Alexander-Walker's versatility and high-energy playstyle also helped him capture the hearts of Wolves fans.
Alexander-Walker was a crucial part of the Wolves' back-to-back conference finals appearances. Additionally, despite leaving in free agency, NAW has maintained relationships with all of his Wolves teammates; he even showed up to some of Minnesota's summer league games. Unquestionably, Wolves fans will give him a warm welcome back, and the Target Center will be booming on February 9.
From a basketball standpoint, this should be a highly entertaining game. The Hawks upgraded their roster this summer. In addition to landing NAW, they also traded for Kristaps Porziņģis and signed Luke Kennard. Alexander-Walker will likely guard Anthony Edwards at various points of the game. Watching how Edwards reacts to NAW's notoriously intense defense will be fun, and the storyline is simply pretty cool.
While it's just one of 82 games, Wolves players and fans alike will have Alexander-Walker's return to the Target Center circled on the schedule. For both parties, it will be fun to see NAW back in Minnesota, but it will come with a touch of sadness since he no longer wears a Wolves jersey.