Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker named NBA's 2025-26 Most Improved Player

8 points, 3. 7 assists, 3. 4 rebounds and 1.

3 steals per game – all personal career highs. Walker also set the Hawks record for most 3-pointers in a season, draining 251 in the 2025-26 season while shooting 39. 9% from 3-point range.

Alexander-Walker was traded to Atlanta on July 6, 2025 after spending two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves . The Hawks have become the first team to have back-to-back Most Improved Award winners. Guard Dyson Daniels won the award as a member of the Hawks last season.

Alexander-Walker and the Hawks are currently playing in the postseason, leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in an Eastern Conference first-round series. Previous Most Improved Player winners 2026: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks 2025: Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks 2024: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers 2023: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz 2022: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies 2021: Julius Randle, New York Knicks 2020: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans 2019: Pascal Siakim, Toronto Raptors 2018: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers 2017: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks 2016: CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers 2015: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls 2014: Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns 2013: Paul George, Indiana Pacers 2012: Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic 2011: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves 2010: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets 2009: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers 2008: Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic 2007: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors 2006: Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns 2025-26 NBA Awards winners Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Clutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Sixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs NBA Sportsmanship Award: Derrick White, Boston Celtics This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker voted NBA Most Improved Player