The SGA Council that fueled Nikhil Alexander-Walker’s breakthrough

Atlanta The Hawks are living life without Tree Young for the month of November, and the other players had to step up in his absence. Jaylen Johnson answered the call and was recently awarded Eastern Conference Player of the Week, but this week someone else chimed in: Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

In the past four games for the Hawks, Alexander-Walker is on average 24.5 points per game, shooting 41 percent from the 3-point line. He’s been a big key to their early success this season, and looks to be one of the best free agents in the league this offseason. For Alexander-Walker, the reason for his breakout was the work he put in, but also the conversation he had with his cousin – and reigning MVP – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“I think the main thing I focused on was my summer schedule,” Alexander Walker said. “Creating a routine that will allow me to get better every day. Putting something in place where I’m going to step into a role that I need to be ready for.”

“After I lost in the Western Conference finals, for me it felt like I was close and I could only affect so much. I talked to Shai, and he told me that when I have that opportunity, I have to make sure I do everything I can to control those moments. For me, the job this summer has been to do everything I can to control those moments.”

Alexander-Walker was looking for a place where he could continue to develop his game, and the Hawks seemed to be the perfect fit. Now, he’s putting all his hard work to use and it’s paying off in big dividends for both parties.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker proved to be a huge offseason addition

The personnel around Alexander-Walker allowed him to play freely, which was also a key part of his breakthrough this season.

“As far as the coaching staff, they’ve been great in the process,” Alexander-Walker said. “They let me make mistakes, they give me confidence. I have a lot of questions and they have a lot of answers.”

“Defensively, he’s taken steps. He shoots the ball with a lot of confidence,” head coach Quin Snyder said. “For all of our guys, their ability to get into the paint and finish or get into the paint and play with each other, those decisions are things that he continues to make better, especially in those situations in Minnesota, he hasn’t been in those situations as much.”

When Young returns, there’s a good chance Alexander-Walker’s usage will drop, but it’s good to know he’s capable of making big shots when they need him.