Shai Supports Nickeil: Will Nickeil Alexander-Walker Win MIP?

The NBA's Most Improved Player Award race is heating up, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks emerging as a strong contender thanks to the support of his cousin, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:43am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The familial bond between Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adds an intriguing layer to the NBA's Most Improved Player Award race, showcasing the impact of mentorship and support in the league.Oklahoma City Today

The NBA's Most Improved Player Award is a hotly contested race this season, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Atlanta Hawks as a leading contender. Alexander-Walker's scoring average has skyrocketed from 9.4 points per game last season to 20.9 this year, a +11.5-point increase that ranks as the third-highest in the past 25 seasons. His cousin, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, has publicly endorsed Alexander-Walker's award candidacy, adding an intriguing layer of family support to the prestigious honor.

Why it matters

The NBA's Most Improved Player Award is more than just a personal achievement; it's a recognition of a player's growth and their team's success. Alexander-Walker's story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the impact of family support in the league. His rise to prominence has been instrumental in the Hawks' late-season surge, and his award candidacy showcases the league's potential for player development and the importance of mentorship within the NBA community.

The details

Alexander-Walker's breakout season has been fueled by career highs in several key statistical categories, including scoring (20.9 PPG), rebounds (3.5 RPG), assists (3.7 APG), and steals (1.3 SPG). He has also become a three-point shooting specialist, making a franchise-record 248 three-pointers this season, the fourth-most in the NBA. The Hawks' decision to sign Alexander-Walker away from the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer has paid dividends, as his ability to provide a scoring boost off the bench has been crucial to the team's success.

  • Alexander-Walker's scoring average has increased by 11.5 points per game compared to the 2024-25 season, the third-highest such increase in the past 25 seasons.
  • Alexander-Walker has made a franchise-record 248 three-pointers this season, the fourth-most in the NBA.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A rising star for the Atlanta Hawks, Alexander-Walker has emerged as a leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player Award this season after a breakout campaign that has seen him average career highs in several key statistical categories.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is the cousin of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and has publicly endorsed his award candidacy, adding an intriguing layer of family support to the prestigious honor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Alexander-Walker's journey to the NBA has been a testament to hard work and dedication, and his award candidacy is a reflection of the league's potential for player development and the impact of family support. As the season winds down, the Most Improved Player Award will recognize a player who has not only improved individually but has also contributed significantly to their team's success, a true testament to the power of perseverance and the value of mentorship in the NBA.