Projecting Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 2025-26 Role with Hawks

His combination of footwork, lateral quickness, and defensive instincts allows him to reach around and/or poke the ball free from unsuspecting ball handlers.

When Daniels heads to the bench, Alexander-Walker will no doubt take on the toughest perimeter defensive assignment. The Hawks will have the former Minnesota guard backing up the 2024-25 runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. When star guards like Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Cade Cunningham take on the Hawks, they will have to work for every bucket. The 6-foot-7-inch Daniels could even play some minutes at small forward and share the floor with Alexander-Walker in defensive situations. Atlanta could have Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and Porziņģis on the floor with the two defensive stoppers for a more balanced lineup.

Alexander-Walker Gives Much-Needed Shooting, But What Else Will He Bring Offensively?

The former 17th overall pick in 2019 saw open looks playing off of Donte DiVincenzo and Reid on bench lineups in Minnesota. He shot 38.1% on 4.1 threes attempted per contest last season. His shooting will help an Atlanta offense that struggled to cash in looks from deep a season ago. His threat from beyond the arc will space the court for other playmakers such as Daniels, Young, and Johnson. However, the Hawks do not have two strong ball-handlers and scorers off the bench like the Timberwolves. As a result, Atlanta likely relies on Alexander-Walker to handle the rock more than he did in Minnesota when Young leaves the floor.

Alexander-Walker is more of an off-ball shooter than an offensive orchestrator and passer. He can attack closeouts off the catch, but he is still developing his two-point scoring in the halfcourt. He might be tasked with making more decisions on the ball, along with Luke Kennard, Vít Krejčí, and Bufkin on the bench. If so, Hawks fans might need to temper some of their offensive expectations for Alexander-Walker. While he still has room to improve, he has not spearheaded an offense in limited opportunities up to this point. His best role lies in playing off the ball and capitalizing on his teammates’ decisions.

Alexander-Walker is ready to make an immediate impact with the Hawks as a defensive ace and three-point threat.