On February 16th, 2023, Nickeil Alexander-Walker played only four minutes and 33 seconds in his Target Center debut after the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for him nine days earlier. Mike Conley was also making his home debut, so everyone had directed their attention to the 36-year-old. But much to Alexander-Walker’s surprise, Minnesota fans gave him a proper welcome to the team when he subbed in for the first time.
“I did not expect to get welcome, which was pretty cool,” Alexander-Walker told reporters with a giant grin last year. “I didn’t expect them to cheer when I checked in, but honestly, I’m grateful. I appreciate any love and support that I get, and it means a lot. I dreamed of being in the NBA, having an impact on a team, and being embraced by the fans. It’s much appreciated, and I am grateful.”
After that 114-106 loss, Nickeil registered 15 or more minutes in the next 15 games. He quickly blossomed into a crucial role player of the future in Minnesota. Alexander-Walker had a breakout game on March 4th in Sacramento. He registered 16 points and five assists on 4-of-8 from deep, helping the Wolves beat the Sacramento Kings 138-134.
In that game, Alexander-Walker offered a quick snapshot of how vital his simple and impactful skillset can be:
After 332 days in the darkroom, Alexander-Walker gave us a fully developed photo of what he can be at his best. NAW has been instrumental to Minnesota’s franchise-best 33-14 start. The 6’5” combo guard is doing whatever is asked of him every game in a constantly changing role.
Before Thursday’s game in Brooklyn, a reporter asked Chris Finch about Nickeil’s ability to play different roles this season. “We love that about him,” said Finch. “He’s just such a solid player and just continues to make timely big plays offensively or defensively.”
Alexander-Walker has started 16 games, a team-high for any player aside from Minnesota’s preferred starting group. Early in the season, he filled in for Jaden McDaniels 11 times. Finch asked Alexander-Walker to be a three-and-D wing in McDaniels’ stead, which is more in line with what he has done in his four years in the NBA. However, Alexander-Walker had to replace Conley in five out of Minnesota’s last six games. That’s a new and difficult task, but he has handled it with aplomb.
NAW is accommodating what the team needs while still playing to his strengths.
On Saturday, the Wolves ruled Conley out with left hamstring tightness, which meant Alexander-Walker was back in the starting lineup. That was the Virginia Tech alum’s fourth time replacing Conley. In the first three games, Minnesota had issues moving the ball in certain situations, a lingering problem that only worsens when Minnesota Mike is on the bench.
Maybe the coaching staff sat down with Nickeil and talked to him pregame, or perhaps a film study highlighted the issue. Regardless, something changed because it was evident that the once-combo guard knew he had to man more of a traditional point guard role to keep the ball moving against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Wolves recorded a 130.7 offensive rating in the 32 minutes that Alexander-Walker was on the floor against the Spurs, a personal season-high. He registered 11 points on 3-of-4 from deep. However, his season-high tying seven assists helped better illustrate why Minnesota’s offense was rated in the first percentile and more than 14 points higher than the league-wide season average (116.3).
As you can see in the clips above, NAW made a point to attack the seams of San Antonio’s defense on and off the ball. He sifted his way into the paint and typically kicked the ball out to the perimeter from there. Alexander-Walker was a textbook, effective point guard on Saturday. It’s easy for someone who is used to being an off-ball player to still focus on scoring.
Many converted point guards aimlessly attack the rim, leave their feet, and either attempt a contested layup or double clutch and pass the ball to an unsuspecting teammate. Typically, that results in a turnover and a 5-on-4 situation for the opposition.
But Alexander-Walker only turned the ball over once against the Spurs and had a 7.0 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is his season-best when recording six or more assists.
Alexander-Walker wasn’t simply a distributor on Saturday night, though. He was also effective and efficient when playing in space, especially next to Anthony Edwards. Alexander-Walker was 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, with three attempts in catch-and-shoot opportunities.
In 2023-24, Alexander-Walker has taken 127 shot attempts without any dribbles in between, while only 13.2% of his attempts have come after dribbling and pulling up. Scoring off-ball and behind the three-point line has been how he impacts winning on offense. But NAW doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be productive. That makes him a perfect complement next to Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, who need many isolation opportunities to reach their full potential.
However, that 113-112 loss against the Spurs provided a blueprint for what Alexander-Walker needs to do more when he returns to the bench. He can play effectively with the ball in his hands in halfcourt offensive sets, which could unlock productive bench offense for Finch and his staff – something they haven’t achieved this season.
Alexander-Walker is like a utility middle infielder in baseball. He isn’t going to be incredible at any one thing, but he’s going to do all the things that drive winning. He’s the glue that holds his team together. Their unsung hero. Without his under-the-radar impact and ability to succeed in multiple roles, it is highly unlikely that the Wolves would be competing for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
