Nickeil Alexander-Walker named Most Improved Player

Apr 18, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) reacts after a basket during the second half of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images For

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What is the story about?

For the second year in a row, a member of the Atlanta Hawks has won the Most Improved Player award.

Last year it was Dyson Daniels, who stepped into a starting role and averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals per game.

This year, it comes by way of seven-year NBA veteran Nickeil Alexander-Walker:

Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points and 3.7 assists in 33.4 minutes per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three. His 251 made threes in 2025-26 set a single season

franchise record for the Hawks.

That 20.8 points per game mark was a full 11 points per game higher than his previous season with the Minnesota Timberwolves (9.4 points per game in 25.3 minutes per game). The other finalists for this award were Deni Avdija and Jalen Duren.

Congrats to ‘NAW’ for this accomplishment!