Nickeil Alexander-Walker, often referred to as NAW, is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Alexander-Walker brings a dynamic skillset to the court, blending scoring ability with playmaking potential.
His journey to the NBA began at St. Louis University, where he played college basketball for two seasons. He showcased his versatility and scoring prowess, averaging 15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during his sophomore year. This performance solidified his status as a promising NBA prospect and led him to declare for the 2019 NBA draft.
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Alexander-Walker with the 17th overall pick in the draft. His time in New Orleans was marked by flashes of brilliance and consistent development. He demonstrated his ability to score from beyond the arc and create opportunities for his teammates. However, he struggled to consistently break into the starting lineup and find a defined role within the Pelicans’ system.
In 2022, Alexander-Walker was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a larger deal. While his stint with the Jazz was relatively short, he showed glimpses of his offensive capabilities in a new environment. He continued to refine his scoring touch and work on his defensive game.
Later that year, he was traded again, this time to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Minnesota, Alexander-Walker has found a more consistent role as a valuable contributor off the bench. His ability to space the floor with his shooting and create scoring opportunities has been a welcome addition to the Timberwolves’ roster. He’s also shown an increased commitment to defense, becoming a more reliable player on that end of the court.
Alexander-Walker’s game is characterized by his smooth shooting stroke, especially from three-point range. He possesses a crafty handle and the ability to create his own shot. He’s also a capable playmaker, able to find open teammates with accurate passes. While he’s still developing, he’s shown significant improvement in his decision-making and overall court awareness.
Looking ahead, Nickeil Alexander-Walker has the potential to become a key rotation player for the Timberwolves and a valuable contributor to a winning team. His continued development in areas such as defensive consistency and overall efficiency will be crucial to his long-term success in the NBA. He represents a modern NBA player with the ability to score, create, and defend, making him a valuable asset for any team.