As we enter Year 2 of the Rudy Gobert era, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ depth is the most attractive aspect of their roster. It could be anyone’s night on a game-to-game basis this year, which is certainly a welcomed sight for an organization that hasn’t been able to say that often.
One of Minnesota’s bright spots from the second half of last season was Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s play. He was part of the package the Wolves got for Mike Conley, and Chris Finch was a big proponent of adding Alexander-Walker to the trade after spending a year together in New Orleans.
Alexander-Walker repaid the faith Finch showed in him with his performances on the court. So much so that Finch inserted him into the starting lineup during the postseason when a hand injury ended Jaden McDaniels’ season. He held his own in matchups against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, Alexander-Walker even made contributions on the offensive end with his shot-making late in Minnesota’s lone playoff win.
After a game against the Sacramento Kings in March, Alexander-Walker expressed his admiration for the organization. “I feel like I was saved,” he said. Alexander-Walker’s earned him a two-year, $9 million contract this offseason.
Shortly after committing his future to the organization, Alexander-Walker played for Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup. He impressed in the tournament, showcasing his overall versatility. On media day, Alexander-Walker said his role with Team Canada will be “very similar” to his role with the Timberwolves.
“It gave me a chance to build a rhythm for myself,” he added.
On media day, Tim Connelly also said he foresees Alexander-Walker being the player on the roster who could take the biggest leap this season. It’s not often you see a role player earn so much praise, but Alexander-Walker has earned every bit of it.
Coming into this season, Alexander-Walker can have an impact that goes far beyond what you’d expect from a second-unit player. His versatility allows the Wolves to insert him into any lineup and contribute at a high level. It’s a luxury to have this type of player because he gives the opposition a matchup problem at all times. Teams can’t just force him to be a shooter, and they can’t target him as a defender, either. He could be Minnesota’s Bruce Brown this season.
With Gobert already commanding the interior defense for this team, Alexander-Walker could make an impact alongside Anthony Edwards and McDaniels on the perimeter. Last season, the Timberwolves ranked 10th in defensive rating. Finch may want to use a lineup featuring those four on a regular basis. Losing McDaniels could’ve been a difference-maker in last season’s playoff run and alleviated the pressure put on Alexander-Walker to contain two of the best guards in the NBA.
On media day, a reporter asked Alexander-Walker about playing defense with Gobert, and Alexander-Walker said it gives him “confidence to take that extra risk.” That’s similar to something Anthony Edwards said last year. Edwards emphasized that he likes to read passing lanes for opportunities to steal the ball.
Ultimately, the Timberwolves have a player in Alexander-Walker who can make Gobert’s job easier on the defensive end. Just like with Conley, Alexander-Walker also played with Gobert in Utah, so he’s established some familiarity with him.
Alexander-Walker can also be impactful with the second unit that features Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson, and Shake Milton. His comfortability as a playmaker and shotmaker allow for that unit to flourish. He fits what’s needed in numerous lineups, and that’s why he’s trusted by the organization.
This season, Alexander-Walker has a big opportunity to capitalize on everything he’s built since arriving at the 2023 trade deadline. As one of the lesser established players in the Timberwolves rotation, there might not be much room for error. With Connelly saying the team’s got to win a playoff series, a player like Alexander-Walker is capable of providing the spark that’s needed to reach those heights.
