Nickeil Alexander-Walker balls out in win over the Jazz
Nickeil Alexander-Walker totaled 20 points (8-16 FG, 4-8 3PT), five rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and two blocks in the Timberwolves’ 101-90 win over the Jazz.
Fantasy Impact
Walker balled out in the Timberwolves' win over the Jazz, putting together a completely filled and massive stat line that showcased 5.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.0 blocks, and an incredible 5.0 steals to go along with 20.0 points. He has the raw talent and explosiveness to be a true competitor in this league; however, we have seen this many times, and in the end, he isn't able to turn his hot "singles" into an even doper "album," he has made a career out of being a "firework" baller who lights up the sky only to "fizzle" out when granted key opportunities to sustain his impact on the floor. The lack of production sustainability and consistency may not be because of the lack of talent. However, it could be due to the coaching staff's absence of belief that he can carry a meaningful and consistent role within the rotation for the long term. So, what do we do? Well, as long as Anthony Edwards is out, Walker should be on your radar as a pragmatic multi-categorical play. Games like the ones we just witnessed are somewhat common when he is locked in and could benefit those looking to supplement their rotation with this kind of explosive playmaking ability. Although Walker can be matchup-dependent, he may be able to play through that with the right volume and permission to play his game. A wait-and-see approach could be the best route to take when considering him in season-long leagues. Walker's current opportunity and upside could make him a viable option in daily formats. He has a usage rate of 13.5 percent, a plus-minus of 1.9, and is averaging 23.2 minutes, 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 41.1 percent from the floor and 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
