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.Previous Most Improved Player winners2026: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta Hawks2025: Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks2024: Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers2023: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz2022: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies2021: Julius Randle, New York Knicks2020: Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans2019: Pascal Siakim, Toronto Raptors2018: Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers2017: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks2016: CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers2015: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls2014: Goran Dragic, Phoenix Suns2013: Paul George, Indiana Pacers2012: Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic2011: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves2010: Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets2009: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers2008: Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic2007: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors2006: Boris Diaw, Phoenix Suns2025-26 NBA Awards winnersDefensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio SpursClutch Player of the Year: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderSixth Man of the Year: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio SpursNBA Sportsmanship Award: Derrick White, Boston CelticsThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Hawks' Nickeil Alexander-Walker voted NBA Most Improved Player