Alexander-Walker Wins Most Improved Player Award, Hawks Continue Player Development Success for Second Consecutive Year
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker was awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year today, marking the second consecutive year a Hawks player has received the honor. This recognition highlights the team's strong player development capabilities. Alexander-Walker recorded career-best statistics, driven by increased playing time and a transition to a starting role.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 09:26
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Atlanta, April 24, comprehensive foreign report) Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker was awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year today. This marks the second consecutive year a Hawks player has received this honor, with Dyson Daniels winning it last year.
Associated Press reported that Alexander-Walker defeated Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons in the final selection. He recorded the best statistics of his career this year, making him a deserving winner.
Alexander-Walker averaged a career-high 20.8 points this season, more than doubling his average score from the previous six seasons. His field goal percentage of 46% was also a personal best, as were his 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
Part of Alexander-Walker's statistical growth this season came from increased playing time. He played 2603 minutes this season, 530 minutes more than his previous peak. He effectively utilized these opportunities, hitting 251 three-pointers and 277 free throws; his three-point percentage of 40% and free throw percentage of 90% were also personal bests.
In his first year of a 4-year, $62 million contract with the Hawks, he started the season as a sixth man but quickly moved into the starting lineup due to a knee injury to Hawks' star Trae Young. His starting position became even more solidified after Young was traded to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Alexander-Walker's award also adds honor to his family; his cousin is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The latter is the reigning MVP and was again nominated for this most important award this season.
Last year's Most Improved Player winner, Dyson Daniels, stated that this again proves the Hawks' strength in player development.
Daniels said: "I think Atlanta has a very good development system. Players come here and work hard, and [Hawks head coach] Quin Snyder is good at letting players play freely and express themselves."
This is the fifth annual award announced after the end of the NBA regular season. Other important awards yet to be announced include Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Coach of the Year. (Compiled by Chu Xiangping) 1150425
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(Central News Agency, Atlanta, April 24, comprehensive foreign report) Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker was awarded the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year today. This marks the second consecutive year a Hawks player has received this honor, with Dyson Daniels winning it last year.
Associated Press reported that Alexander-Walker defeated Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers and Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons in the final selection. He recorded the best statistics of his career this year, making him a deserving winner.
Alexander-Walker averaged a career-high 20.8 points this season, more than doubling his average score from the previous six seasons. His field goal percentage of 46% was also a personal best, as were his 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
Part of Alexander-Walker's statistical growth this season came from increased playing time. He played 2603 minutes this season, 530 minutes more than his previous peak. He effectively utilized these opportunities, hitting 251 three-pointers and 277 free throws; his three-point percentage of 40% and free throw percentage of 90% were also personal bests.
In his first year of a 4-year, $62 million contract with the Hawks, he started the season as a sixth man but quickly moved into the starting lineup due to a knee injury to Hawks' star Trae Young. His starting position became even more solidified after Young was traded to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Alexander-Walker's award also adds honor to his family; his cousin is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a star player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The latter is the reigning MVP and was again nominated for this most important award this season.
Last year's Most Improved Player winner, Dyson Daniels, stated that this again proves the Hawks' strength in player development.
Daniels said: "I think Atlanta has a very good development system. Players come here and work hard, and [Hawks head coach] Quin Snyder is good at letting players play freely and express themselves."
This is the fifth annual award announced after the end of the NBA regular season. Other important awards yet to be announced include Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Coach of the Year. (Compiled by Chu Xiangping) 1150425
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's 'First-hand News' APP to get the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.