Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been named the Seventh Man of the Year.
It’s NBA awards season, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to receive recognition in several major categories for the first time in a generation. Despite the Twitter chatter about Rudy Gobert’s performance against the Denver Nuggets, he remains a strong contender for his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Chris Finch is in contention to become the first Timberwolves coach to win Coach of the Year, while Naz Reid is making strides in the Sixth Man of the Year race. Anthony Edwards is expected to receive MVP votes and secure a spot on an All-NBA team. Gobert and possibly Jaden McDaniels are likely to make All-Defense teams, and Tim Connelly is a contender for Executive of the Year. However, the ultimate goal remains winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy, though the team should be well-represented in the awards categories.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, despite his notable contributions off the bench for the Timberwolves, isn’t likely to be nominated for any official NBA awards. Having a strong season as a third guard, he’s been consistent in his role, forming a formidable defensive backcourt with Edwards and McDaniels. Although he might garner some All-Defense votes, he’s not in contention for major awards like Most Improved Player, MVP, or Rookie of the Year. The Sixth Man of the Year award is his most realistic chance, but he faces tough competition from his teammate Naz Reid and others across the league.
To recognize Alexander-Walker’s excellent season and add a touch of humor, I proudly present the Zone Coverage Seventh Man of the Year award to him. While there might be arguments for other players, Alexander-Walker stands out as a deserving candidate, showcasing his versatility as a guard who can shoot, play point, and defend multiple positions effectively. With impressive shooting stats, he’s proven himself as one of the best shooters in the league, particularly from the corners.
