Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named as the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2025-26 season.
Alexander-Walker had a career year, starting in 71 of the 78 games he played in this season. The 27-year-old guard averaged 20.8 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.
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