The Atlanta Hawks look completely genius for giving Nickeil Alexander-Walker the chance to be an offensive creator this season. In his first six seasons within the league, Alexander-Walker was by no means allowed to be a playmaker after getting into the league as a defensive-minded late first spherical choose.
Alexander-Walker was an efficient scorer throughout his two years at Virginia Tech, nonetheless, who discovered success each on and off the ball. Whereas NBA scouting departments targeted on his distinctive spot up sport as a prospect, the swingman quietly made large strides as a slasher in his second collegiate season.
As a sophomore, Alexander-Walker bumped his two level mark by 2% whereas doubling his makes an attempt contained in the arc as a sophomore. Most significantly, he elevated his free throw fee from 22.8% to 35.9%. He was attending to the paint, creating simple seems for himself, and getting fouled, three hallmarks of Alexander-Walker’s redefined offensive sport.
Thrusting Alexander-Walker into his elevated function was an excellent transfer
Onsi Saleh has been on fireplace in his quick tenure because the lead decision-maker in Atlanta, and this transfer is maybe his magnum opus. The choice to signal Alexander-Walker to a steal of a deal – 4 years, $60 million – was simple. Most entrance workplaces would have taken this deal; Atlanta was simply one of many few groups with cap area this offseason.
The tough determination was understanding that NAW is not only a spot up menace. As an alternative, he’s succesful backup level guard who eradicated the necessity for Atlanta to splurge on this division.
Many (myself included) thought the Hawks would wrestle and not using a backup level guard this season. This was not the case; whereas the “level guard-by-committee” mannequin didn’t fairly pan out, Alexander-Walker’s particular person brilliance as a creator has helped the Hawks have some semblance of a constant halfcourt offense.
It could not have killed the Hawks to signal a backup level guard to a minimal contract. However even a minimal deal would have repercussions for the Hawks, who sit simply $13 million beneath the primary apron.
Keep in mind this $13 million determine, as it will likely be vital over the subsequent two months. That is the utmost internet quantity the Hawks can obtain in a commerce this season. If the Hawks need Giannis, Anthony Davis, or Jaren Jackson Jr., they’ll should cobble collectively a bundle of upwards of $35 million. Even the marginal quantity saved by avoiding a minimal contract, simply over $2 million, offers the Hawks the flexibleness required to be a critical participant in these commerce discussions.
Saleh made a controversial determination to belief NAW and depart his remaining NBA roster spot empty, passing on the chance to make use of a gradual backup level guard. This transfer has proved to be yet one more masterclass from Saleh, who must be in consideration for Government of the Yr this season.
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