Nickeil Alexander-Walker proves he could be valuable long-term piece for Timberwolves

Timberwolves veterans lamented so many things throughout this series as Minnesota dug itself a giant hole against the top-seeded Nuggets. Habits — or the lack thereof — were discussed. Habits like hitting the glass, making sacrificial cuts on offense and simply knowing your defensive assignments and rotations.

Those are all things Minnesota lacks as a team, and it’s why such a talented team is not currently at the level of a squad such as Denver. But one player who has not come up short in those all-important areas is midseason acquisition Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The 24-year-old wing has carved out a sizable role with the Timberwolves since he was dealt to Minnesota in mid-February. Part of that is due to the injury of Jaden McDaniels, but another reason is Alexander-Walker’s professional, relentless approach.

That approach has allowed Alexander-Walker to acclimate to the playoffs, where attention to detail and preparedness are prerequisites for success. In a series full of disappointments, Alexander-Walker has at least been a steadying defensive force for the Wolves, serving as the team’s best answer for Jamal Murray.

“It’s just about getting the job done, doing the best I can and making it tough. I mean, if he’s gonna make tough shots for however many games it’s gonna be, then he’s gonna make tough shots. I mean, that’s why they paid him, that’s why he’s the player he is today,” Alexander-Walker said of the Nuggets guard. “So it’s just about making it tough.”

Alexander-Walker believes in process over results. And his process is sound. He puts in the work, both mentally and physically.

“He’s one of the hardest-working guys I know,” Wolves veteran guard Mike Conley said. “Honestly doesn’t leave the gym.”

Which is why Alexander-Walker was ready the instant Minnesota coach Chris Finch decided to lean more heavily upon him. He has started games in this first-round series, and consistently proved up to the task.

“One thing I learned in life is the small things you want to do, you want to be more focused, you want to be more disciplined, those just come from little things,” Alexander-Walker said. “So if I stay focused or I stay engaged in a game, if I treat every game importantly, every matchup importantly, guys that I’m guarding, if I study the film the right way, I don’t have to worry that when the game comes I have to up my level. So if I’m already there, I’m just prepared. The longer I can be there, the more prepared and the more I can be ready for my competition.”

So he always prepares for everything, during the regular season all the way through playoffs. He locks in on opposing personnel, making sure he knows every player “like the back of my hand.” Alexander-Walker studies like a college student the night before the final. If someone is going to score against him, the wing wants it to be by doing something the Timberwolves are willing to allow, not because Alexander-Walker didn’t properly execute an assignment.

“That’s one of the reasons why I’m out there. I’m definitely going to give the team the best version of myself as I can,” Alexander-Walker said. “That’s what they’re putting me out there to do. That’s my job. I have to make sure I’m doing my job.”

The wing displays the maturity and attention to detail Minnesota could use more of in its locker room, which is why it’d make sense for the Timberwolves to attempt to retain the restricted free agent this offseason.

Alexander-Walker confirmed Sunday to reporters that he’d like to be back.

“I’m grateful for Minnesota, grateful for Finch and the head office. They gave me a chance. I’ve been working very, very hard, relentlessly, and sometimes too hard on myself, for an opportunity,” Alexander-Walker said. “So for me to get that, I would love to come back. I believe in this group. Believe that we can figure it out together and do something special.”

Another contract in Minnesota could mean stability for a guard who’s already experienced a number of NBA head coaches and is with his third team in five professional seasons.

“You can just see that from a lot of great players in this league. At some point in time there’s stability there, and they’re able to build a foundation and grow from there,” Alexander-Walker said. “So for me it’s just continuing to get better in every aspect. Maybe that’s where I can lay my foundation and the versatility and just kind of going through so much difficult things and changes and trying to just control what I can, continue to build solid stuff, put my work to the test each time I’m out there and continue to work behind closed doors.”