The ink on the Nickeil Alexander-Walker lifetime contract still hadn’t completely dried on an anticipated Tuesday night of basketball at Target Center when the Minnesota Timberwolves, two games over .500 after a successful California road trip, looked to make it four straight wins against the Philadelphia 76ers.
A big ingredient needed in that game needed in a recipe for the win was Alexander-Walker, who was coming off his best game as a Wolf, a 16-point, 50% from 3-point range effort in Sacramento in one of Minnesota’s best wins of the year. It seemed to be one of those moments of arrival for a perceived throw-in in the D’Angelo Russell - Mike Conley three-team trade that seemed like a highway robbery with NAW’s performance on the floor.
Pleasantly surprised by the off-ball shooting excellence Alexander-Walker has displayed. Don’t expect him to keep shooting 50% from deep, but he naturally finds space (love the reverse 45 cut in clip 2) and keeps his hands ready. If he can hit some pull-ups, all the better! pic.twitter.com/iJFmn41bj8
— Aidan Berg (@AidanBerg_) March 5, 2023
Alexander-Walker finished the game against the Sixers with five points on just 2-6 shooting.
It’s been a box score that’s indicative of the swingman’s up-and-down performances as a young role player for a team that’s welcomed his boost. So often he’s up; hitting shots, using his burst to get to the basket, and playing excellent defense on what feels like one through four. Sometimes, he down; and his defense is what keeps him in the lineup among questionable decision-making.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker block + coast-to-coast transition drive + interior pass to Luka Garza for the layup pic.twitter.com/KuwwxepvrN
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 14, 2023
An offseason lies ahead where a decision will have to be made about the cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I’ll take a look at a couple things he brings to the table, and what I think awaits him this offseason.
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Defense
The most noticeable part of Alexander-Walker’s presence the seamlessly works with both the first and second units is his activity on the defensive side of the ball. He’s incredibly quick navigating around screens, and disrupts game flow with active hands. He hasn’t been one to run up steal numbers, but he does enough to be one of the better perimeter defenders on the team.
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Opposing teams are shooting 50% from inside the arc when Alexander-Walker is on the floor, and 53% when he’s out. The shot frequency at the rim is the same, and it’s clear his length and quickness are assets when the Wolves start scrambling.
— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) March 4, 2023Check out this little sequence last night from Nickeil Alexander-Walker:
Nearly gets the poke away, dives for the loose ball, sprints back to recover, helps force the steal, then runs down and hits a big time three.
NAW is still just 24 years old. Definitely a keeper. pic.twitter.com/Qw9Nkfg0go
However, it’s clear he still is in an adjustment period. The hard skills exist, but his defensive efficiency on the floor with Gobert and McDaniels are not good; that’s a problem. Additionally, among all two-man lineups he’s played with so far in Minnesota, he has a positive net rating with just three other players, and all are small minute sample sizes.
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The rapport on defense has to continue to improve. But there is still a lot to like about NAW defensively that gives you encouragement that it could materialize.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24538408/AP23064145724969.jpg "What Does The Future Hold for Nickeil Alexander-Walker? (3)")
Offensive Activity
Funny enough, I think Alexander-Walker offensively is pretty comparative to a less polished Jaylen Nowell.
Nowell clearly has spots on the floor he can get to and confidently convert at a relatively high percentage. I’m not sure NAW is there quite yet.
However, he possesses a similar quality Nowell has in having the first step and quickness to collapse defenses, something the second unit just doesn’t possess. At times, things tend to get incredibly stagnant because of that as a consistent weakness. For awhile, while Nowell was out, Anthony Edwards was the only one that could do so, and couldn’t really leave the floor if any sort of offense was to be had.
Alexander-Walker isn’t Zach LaVine, but there are certainly glimpses that he can do it at a competent level.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker finishes high off the glass pic.twitter.com/swcuKW2Evh
— Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) March 18, 2023
While inconsistent, he’s also provided a welcomed shooting stroke. He takes less than two pull up 3-pointers per game, but connects on 42% of them; good for third on the team among players who play significant minutes.
The other side of the coin is the aforementioned inconsistency. NAW shoots 34% from 3 overall, but is just 31% on catch and shoot 3s. The most backbreaking number of all? Alexander-Walker is just 25% on wide open 3s, which is good for one of the worst on the team. For a team that already has a bugaboo shooting the basketball, that’s something that can be incredibly hard to justify.
It seems with everything in talking about NAW the common line is “he flashes, but doesn’t do it well consistently.” Rebounding and crashing the boards on the offensive end is certainly one of those.
One of the things that the Wolves loved when assuring Alexander-Walker was included in the deadline deal was his length and ability to play-make. He’s uniquely positioned in the Wolves scheme to be able to initiate and use his size to his advantage. But rebounding continues to be an issue. Statistically, he’s one of the worst rebounders on the team across a few key metrics (contested rebound percentage, rebounds per game, rebound chance percentage), getting far outpaced by Mike Conley. For a team that’s already spotty in collecting rebounds, NAW has to use his size to his advantage as a big guard and find ways to extend possessions.
Repeating the theme of this article: “he flashes, but doesn’t do it well consistently.”
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24538577/90 "What Does The Future Hold for Nickeil Alexander-Walker? (4)")
So, What?
Alexander-Walker is a restricted free agent this offseason with a qualifying offer amount of just over $7 million. Unless something crazy happens between now and the end of the season, I’m personally not extending that and letting him test unrestricted free agency.
I’d be curious to see what other teams end up offering him. The Wolves will already be strapped for cap space this offseason, and there can’t be much they afford to use as a test. In this case, that test would be NAW playing like a $7 million per year player. I don’t currently see that happening across any metric or in meeting the eye test on a consistent basis.
There are flashes...
Nickeil Alexander-Walker impactful on-ball + off-ball defense pic.twitter.com/rkRceaFyFr
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 11, 2023
But there’s still a lot of development that needs to take place. I would wonder if a three year, $10-13 million deal would be of interest. Alexander-Walker is still just 24 years old, and a bridge deal into his prime to allow him some time to secure his role and sharpen up a few of the aforementioned aspects before he hits free agency as a hypothetical 27-year-old.
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) March 5, 2023Wolves fans,
If you haven't heard Nickeil Alexander-Walker before here is his postgame interview after his 16p (4/8 3's) 5a performance vs. Kings. There's a reason he's already become a fan favorite & it's not just because of his play on the floor...https://t.co/sJma7PAjdD
It seems as though he wants to be in Minnesota for the time being. With a few more consistencies, the Wolves should want the same (for the right price).
FAQs
How much does Nickeil Alexander-Walker make? ›
Nickeil Alexander-Walker signed a 4 year / $14,349,113 contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, including $14,349,113 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $3,587,278. In 2022-23, Alexander-Walker will earn a base salary of $5,009,633, while carrying a cap hit of $5,009,633 and a dead cap value of $5,009,633.
Where is Nickeil Alexander-Walker now? ›The matchup means Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will square off against his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, for a spot in the playoffs.
How old is Nickeil Alexander-Walker? › Who is the highest paid NY Knick? ›Nickeil Alexander-Walker was born in 1998 in Toronto, Ontario. He is the son of Nicole Alexander and Nicholas Walker and has three sisters and three brothers.
Who was Nickeil Alexander-Walker traded for? ›Walker was sent on to Utah in exchange for Joe Ingles' contract. On the eve of the 2021 deadline, the kid named “Popsicle” was once again faced with guys older, bigger, and stronger than him keeping him off the court. He played less than 9 minutes a game in 15 contests for Utah.
Who drafted Shai? ›What college did SGA go to? ›
Personal life. Gilgeous-Alexander's younger brother, Thomasi, was a college basketball player for the Evansville Purple Aces. and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. His younger cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, is an NBA player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Who is on the Utah Jazz roster? ›
- 8 Allan Houston.
- 7 Bernard King.
- 6 Earl Monroe.
- 5 Carmelo Anthony.
- 4 Dave DeBusschere.
- 3 Willis Reed.
- 2 Patrick Ewing.
- 1 Walt Frazier.
The estimated total pay for a Ball Boy at NBA is $29 per hour. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $20 per hour. The estimated additional pay is $8 per hour.
Who is the biggest Knicks killers? ›Reggie "The Knick Killer" Miller tantalized the entire franchise for most of his 18-year career. The dagger that stands out most, of course, is his eight points in 11 seconds escapade during Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals. With just over 18 seconds remaining, the Knicks held a 105-99 lead.
How tall is Jordan Walker UAB? ›| No. 10 – UAB Blazers | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 11, 1999 |
| Nationality | American |
| Listed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Listed weight | 170 lb (77 kg) |
Has Joe Ingles been traded? ›
Milwaukee Bucks (2022–present)
On 9 February 2022, Ingles was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team trade. Due to his knee injury, he never played a game for the team.
The Jazz are acquiring Russell Westbrook in the trade, though the future Hall of Fame guard is expected to be waived by team shortly after the deal is finalized. Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds for the Lakers this season coming off the bench.
Who was Tracy McGrady traded for? ›On June 29, 2004, McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Houston Rockets as part of a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic.
Is Shai a point guard or shooting guard? ›Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - NBA Shooting guard - News, Stats, Bio and more - The Athletic.
Is Shai left handed? ›Though he's a right-handed jumpshooter, Shai probably dribbles more with his left hand and excels driving left as well.
Will Shai be an All Star? ›Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Named 2023 NBA All-Star.
What is Shai main weapon? ›Shai carries the powerful Florang— a boomerang-like weapon that hits enemies before finding its way back to her. Shai additionally wields the mystical Vitclari, a small glowing ornament that heals and protects her allies.
Where is Isaac Shai now? ›Isaac Shai - Associate Professor of Law and Advocate of the High Court of South Africa - University of South Africa | LinkedIn.
What nationality is Shai? ›Shai is an American vocal R&B/soul quartet, most popular in the 1990s. The group met and formed on the campus of Howard University.
How old is D Fox? ›What is the OKC record without Shai? ›
| TEAM | SEASON | DATE |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2022-23 | 2/28/2023 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2022-23 | 3/1/2023 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2022-23 | 3/3/2023 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 2022-23 | 3/8/2023 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has attempted 10.9 free throws per game this season.
Is Shai pronounced Shay or Shy? ›Shai, pronounced "shy", is a beautiful Hebrew name meaning "gift." Succinct and soft sounding, Shai is a gender-neutral name suited to baby girls and boys alike. Though unrelated to the Irish name "Shay", some people prefer to pronounce Shai in this way.
Is it pronounced Shay or shy? ›Shai is a name newly-used in the US for both boys and, slightly less often, girls. Though the correct pronunciation is "shy", many will say shay, which might be all right with you.
How old is Kidd Gilchrist? › Does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have siblings? › Who is the most famous Utah Jazz player? ›John Houston Stockton (born March 26, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player. Regarded as one of the greatest point guards, players, and passers of all time, he spent his entire NBA career (1984–2003) with the Utah Jazz, and the team made the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons.
Who is the best player on the Utah Jazz right now? ›Lauri Markkanen is the most valuable player on the 2022-2023 Utah Jazz roster. Everyone wondered if he could continue his excellent EuroBasket play into the NBA this season. Short answer: Joo!!! Markkanen was the 7th pick of the 2017 NBA draft with plenty of upside as a 7 footer who could move and shoot so well.
Who was the best player to ever play on the Utah Jazz? ›| PLAYER | GP | FG(%) |
|---|---|---|
| Karl Malone | 1434 | 51.7 |
| John Stockton | 1504 | 51.5 |
| Adrian Dantley | 461 | 56.2 |
| Rudy Gobert | 611 | 65.3 |
LOS ANGELES—The players' parking lot at the spiffy training facility of the Los Angeles Clippers in Playa Vista is filled with luxury vehicles, as one would expect. There's a Mercedes-Benz over there, an Escalade over here.
Has anyone played with their dad in the NBA? ›
David Vaughn Jr. Bill and Luke were the third father-son duo to win NBA championships as players, and the first to win multiple titles each.
Where is Pascal Siakam from? ›Early life. Siakam was born in Douala, Cameroon, to Tchamo and Victorie Siakam, the youngest of four brothers.
How much does Seahawks Walker make? ›Kenneth Walker signed a 4 year, $8,441,581 contract with the Seattle Seahawks, including a $3,319,332 signing bonus, $5,439,040 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,110,395.
How much does Germaine Pratt make? ›Current Contract
Germaine Pratt signed a 3 year, $20,250,000 contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, including a $7,000,000 signing bonus, $7,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $6,750,000.
...
Current Contract.
| Contract: | 1 yr(s) / $1,035,000 |
|---|---|
| Free Agent: | 0 / |
The former Oklahoma state star burst onto the scene in 2022 with a stellar season after struggling to start his career, putting up 262 yards on 49 rushes, averaging 5.3 yards per carry for the year. The deal is reportedly for two years and worth $4.5 million.
Who makes the most money on the Seahawks? ›- S Quandre Diggs, $18.10 million. ...
- WR DK Metcalf, $13.72 million. ...
- Uchenna Nwosu, $13.01 million. ...
- QB Geno Smith, $10.1 million. ...
- DL Dre'Mont Jones, $10.05 million. ...
- 2023 5th overall pick. ...
- Jordyn Brooks fifth-year option. ...
- Will Dissly.
NFL free agency 2023: Patriots make Joe Cardona the highest-paid long snapper in the league. Cardona has signed a four-year deal with the Patriots.
What is Geno Smith salary with the Seahawks? ›SEATTLE -- If Geno Smith has a strong enough encore to his Comeback Player of the Year season, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback can earn significantly more than the $25 million per year base value of his three-year, $75 million contract.
What is Pratt and Whitney annual income? ›| Job Title | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Project Engineer | Range:$66k - $108k | Average:$83,777 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Range:$65k - $98k | Average:$79,917 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | Range:$62k - $104k | Average:$79,546 |
| Design Engineer | Range:$62k - $92k | Average:$76,346 |
Who is the highest paid interior linebacker? ›
...
NFL's highest paid linebackers (average salary per year):
- Titans linebacker Zach Cunningham: $11 million.
- Bills linebacker Matt Milano: $10.4 million.
Salaries at Pratt and Whitney Canada Corp. range from an average of C$61,817 to C$124,769 a year.
What does Tony Dungy make? ›...
Tony Dungy's net worth in 2022.
| Net Worth | $10 million |
|---|---|
| Age | 67 |
| Salary | Retired |
| Sponsors | SafeBeat |
| Sports | American Football (Coach and Player) |
Mike Brady, 'The Brady Bunch'
Brady had a lot on his plate. Luckily, he'd make good money as an architect, at around $87,978 per year. The equivalent salary in 1969 would be $13,628.
His $25.5 million career earnings is worth the same as around $53 million today. Joe's first NFL contract was a 3-year $255,000 deal with the Niners that paid an average annual salary of $85,000 after a signing bonus of $50,000.
What is Justice Roberts salary? ›This book income is in addition to a base salary of $268,300 in 2021 for the eight Associate Justices and $280,500 for Chief Justice John Roberts.
How much does Trey Hill make? ›| Year | Team | Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Bengals | $825,000 |
| 2023 | Bengals | $940,000 |
| 2024 | Bengals | $1,055,000 |
| Total | $3,480,000 | |
Hill, 24, is a former seventh-round pick by the Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He's in the second year of a four-year, $3.39 million rookie contract and set to earn a base salary of $780,000 this season.