ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 23: Nickeil 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 and or using this photograph, User is consenting 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, more often than not, they simply provide much of the same as they’ve always done, just in a different uniform.
Occasionally, however, that pattern is broken, and the player finds himself with an expanded role, and more opportunities, in particular on the offensive side of the ball.
Hawks the right landing spot
Nickeil Alexander-Walker signed with the Hawks this past offseason, opting for a contract worth $62 million over four seasons.
The veteran guard, who has always been far more defensively oriented than offensive, almost immediately saw more scoring opportunities when he joined Atlanta, resulting in the fact that he’s now putting up 19.3 points per game, which is – by far – a career-high in his NBA career.
Across the board, it’s career-highs, in fact. He’s taking more three-pointers than ever before (6.8 per night), getting to line (4.4 attempts), and generally doing far more on the ball than 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 influential, and necessary, floor-spacer, especially for Jalen Johnson, who has developed into the team’s focal point.
By keeping opposing defenses spread out, he’s created lanes for Johnson to utilize. If the defense cheats off of Alexander-Walker, he’s more than capable of draining the three-ball, off Johnson passes.
New-look Hawks?
With Trae Young heavily featured in trade rumors, the rise of Alexander-Walker couldn’t have been timed better.
If Johnson is to become the team’s primary player moving forward, having 3&D players around him would be a strong play, as to optimize the floor. Alexander-Walker should feature extra well, considering the fact that he’s shown growth on the ball this season, allowing to take on extra offensive possessions.
What the Hawks could get – in theory – for Young, remains to be seen, but if they’re somehow able to acquire additional playmaking, defense, and three-point capabilities, that would go a long way for Atlanta in becoming a power team in the Eastern Conference.
We’ll see if they end up doing anything before the February trade deadline, but it’d behoove them to keep their options open.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mortenjensen/2025/11/30/nickeil-alexander-walker-is-leveling-up/
