Alexander-Walker Targets Further Progress After Winning Most Improved Award
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Newly crowned NBA Most Improved Player Nickeil Alexander-Walker said Atlanta’s first-round exit has already shifted his offseason priorities. Speaking with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the guard explained that the six-game loss to New York underscored areas he can elevate before the 2026-27 campaign. “I have a full season behind me now, so I know where I can get a lot better,” he noted, adding that the coming year is “a chance to make something special” out of the Hawks’ current trajectory.
Alexander-Walker, who signed a four-year contract before the season, described the team’s growth as “exciting” and “promising,” saying the recent playoff appearance confirms Atlanta’s process is on the right path—while also revealing “where we went wrong.”
Johnson Calls Playoff Showing ‘Unacceptable’
Forward Jalen Johnson, limited by the Knicks to 19.5 points on 43.5% shooting overall and 29% from three, labeled his performance “bad” and “unacceptable.” He said the 51-point Game 6 defeat provides “a lot of fuel” for the roster heading into the summer, vowing that the group will “make sure this never happens again.”
Hawks Schedule Pre-Draft Workouts
The club has invited several prospects projected in the second round for workouts, including Flory Bidunga (Kansas), Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia), Peter Suder (Miami OH) and Milos Uzan (Houston), according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ESPN ranks Bidunga No. 46 overall. Atlanta currently holds two first-round selections—one in the lottery—and the No. 57 pick late in the second round.
Source: Hoops Rumors
