Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker wins NBA Most Improved Player
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2025-26 season following a spectacular breakout campaign.
The 6-foot-5 guard averaged a career-high 20.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds to go along with 1.3 steals per game.
He also recorded personal bests in blocks, overall field goal percentage, and three-point efficiency over the course of the year.
His scoring output increased by an astonishing 11.4 points from his previous season as a bench player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the third-highest statistical jump over the past 25 years.
Historic back-to-back success for Atlanta
Alexander-Walker succeeds his teammate Dyson Daniels, who claimed the prestigious honour last season.
This unprecedented achievement represents the first time in NBA history that two consecutive winners have emerged from the same franchise.
The versatile playmaker arrived in Georgia during free agency after being actively recruited by former Hawks point guard Trae Young.
When Young sustained an early-season knee injury and was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards, the newly acquired guard stepped up to ensure his squad remained a playoff team.
‘Tireless work ethic’ drives record-breaking season
The former Timberwolves rotation player established a single-season franchise record by connecting on 251 three-pointers, which ranked fourth overall across the league.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder praised his player’s remarkable transformation and crucial contribution to their current campaign.
“Nickeil’s dedication, continual work on his craft, and the ensuing results this season make him incredibly deserving of this award.”
Quin Snyder
Snyder also highlighted how his unselfish attitude as a teammate has positively impacted the overall success of the squad during a transitional year.
Atlanta’s general manager Onsi Saleh echoed these sentiments, pointing to the guard’s exemplary professionalism both on and off the court.
“He brings a high level of care and professionalism to everything he does associated with the game of basketball. Nickeil truly embodies what it means to be the best version of yourself and we are excited for his future growth in our program.”
Onsi Saleh