Mike Conley Is Proud Of Nickeil Alexander-Walker's Growth

Conley has been a spectacular player for the Timberwolves, but he is also one of the best people on the team. With 17 years of experience in the NBA, he is well-respected in the locker room.

Since Alexander-Walker has been under his tutelage for a while, Conley has seen the ups and the downs of the younger player's career. Now, he is reaching the absolute highs because Nickeil is playing well for the Timberwolves.

Conley Feels Alexander-Walker Has Earned His Spot

When they played together in Utah, Mike knew that Nickeil was not feeling like the best version of himself. In New Orleans, Alexander-Walker showed some brilliant flashes, but the organization did not feel he would be a long-term player. 

They traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers, but got promptly traded again to the Jazz where he would play under Conley's wing. That became one of the best things for Nickeil because he got a reliable veteran who taught him plenty of lessons.

In Minnesota, he has continued cementing himself as an ever-reliable role player. He still has some doubt about his standing amongst the Timberwolves, but with every game, he is earning himself another contract. 

"Mike seen me. I was young in my career when I got to Utah. Lost. Traded twice in 18 hours, not knowing what my reality of my career was gonna be," Alexander-Walker said after his standout game against Denver. "Talking to Mike, from what I seen on the court, him talking to me about small things, paying attention to the game, really giving it my heart, so to speak. It's been back to huge gratitude."

Alexander-Walker Will Have Many Suitors In The Offseason

Since Alexander-Walker is in the final year of his four-year contract, he will be an attractive player for almost any team. Of course, the Timberwolves would love to keep him, but he might become too valuable for them to re-sign him.

Minnesota has a bright future, but losing Nickeil will be a big blow to the team due to his three-point shooting, pesky defense, and overall energy. That is rare nowadays and retaining him should be a no-brainer, but the Timberwolves still have to deal with operating under a salary cap.

It will be interesting how his contract situation works out because Timberwolves fans are desperate to keep cheering for him. The contract is out of their hands because Alexander-Walker is an unrestricted free agent in the 2025 offseason, but everyone would love it if he remained in Minneapolis.