Canada’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named the 2026 NBA Most Improved Player, marking a significant milestone in his career. He received the award on Friday, outperforming fellow nominees Deni Avdija and Jalen Duren. This recognition makes him the second Atlanta Hawks player to earn this accolade within two years, following teammate Dyson Daniels, who won last season.
Impressive Season Statistics
Alexander-Walker had a standout season with remarkable improvements in his performance. He posted a career-high average of 20.8 points per game, a figure that more than doubled his scoring average from his first six years in the league. His shooting accuracy also peaked at 46 percent, along with average stats that included:
- Assists: 3.7
- Rebounds: 3.4
- Steals: 1.3
His increased playing time contributed significantly to these stats. Alexander-Walker logged 2,603 minutes this season, which is 530 more than his previous highest total. His shooting accuracy from three-point range reached 40 percent, while his free throw percentage was an impressive 90 percent.
Role with the Hawks
In his first season of a four-year, $62 million contract with the Hawks, Alexander-Walker began as a sixth man. However, an early-season knee injury to Trae Young allowed him to transition into the starting lineup. His starting position was further solidified after a January trade that sent Young to Washington, allowing Alexander-Walker to fully capitalize on his potential.
A Family Legacy of Success
This award adds to the accolades within Alexander-Walker’s family, as he is a cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and a finalist for MVP honors again this season. Alexander-Walker’s achievements are seen as evidence of the Hawks’ elite player development program.
Dyson Daniels praised Atlanta’s development approach, stating, “Guys come in here, get their work in, and [Hawks coach Quin Snyder is] really good at giving guys opportunities to play free and be themselves.” This strategy has evidently facilitated Alexander-Walker’s breakout season.
Other NBA Awards Announced
Alongside Alexander-Walker’s recognition, several other awards have been announced since the end of the regular season:
- Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio) – the youngest recipient and the first to win unanimously.
- Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander received 96 out of 100 first-place votes.
- Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson (San Antonio), who secured 63 first-place votes over Jaime Jaquez Jr.
- Sportsmanship Award: Derrick White (Boston), narrowly defeating TJ McConnell (Indiana), with voting conducted by active NBA players.
Upcoming award announcements include MVP (with contenders Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic), Coach of the Year, and Rookie of the Year honors.
