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New York Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a true Timberwolves success story
Something struck me as I walked through the Minnesota Timberwolves team store at Target Center before a game last season. The wall of jerseys included all of the usual suspects: Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid. Nothing surprising there. Team stores leaguewide always have the team's biggest stars and most popular players well stocked to satisfy the demands of the masses. Advertisement Then one jersey caught my eye. On the bottom row of the wall was an entire rack of No. 9 jerseys with 'ALEXANDER-WALKER' arched over the number in the same way Nickeil Alexander-Walker would contort his spine to navigate around a screen at the top of the 3-point arc. There must have been a dozen of them there waiting for purchase. And I wondered how many team stores around the NBA felt compelled to stock the eighth man's jersey? How many teams got enough requests for a player averaging 9.4 points and 25 minutes per night that they stopped filling them on an order-by-order basis and just started making them in bulk? It is the perfect way to describe what Alexander-Walker meant to this organization and this fan base in 2 1/2 seasons in Minnesota. Like the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker experienced many a dark day in the early portion of his career. Like Timberwolves fans, he was looked over and discounted when he first arrived here, considered a throw-in in the trade that brought Mike Conley to the Wolves. Like the City of Hoops, which is nestled in the State of Hockey, Alexander-Walker just put his head down and kept working amid all the sneers and dismissals, emerging as an inspirational symbol for basketball's renaissance in Minnesota. That is why a somber tone followed the excitement of last weekend, when the Timberwolves locked up two critical components of last season's run to the Western Conference finals by signing Julius Randle and Reid to long-term contracts totaling $225 million. As happy as Wolves fans were, especially for the folk hero that is Naz Reid, they knew that the moves came with a price. They knew that Alexander-Walker was going to have to go. No more devilish smiles as he sized up a wilting Jamal Murray in the playoffs. No more 'electric slides' as play-by-play announcer Michael Grady dubbed the side step 3-pointers that were NAW's calling card. Nickeil Alexander-Walker side-step corner 3, NAW is on fire — Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 14, 2024 No more interviews that turned into soul-baring introspection on his journey from the depths of disappointment in New Orleans to the heights of playoff triumph in Minnesota. For someone who spent a relatively small amount of time with the Timberwolves, Alexander-Walker leaves a lasting legacy. Minnesotans love underdogs, the kinds of players who blossom here after being discarded elsewhere. NAW is certainly one of them. Advertisement Alexander-Walker agreed to terms on a four-year, $62 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, a payday that priced him out of Minnesota. And it didn't take long for the NAW tribute videos to spring up all over social media from Wolves fans thanking him for the memories, wishing he didn't have to go, but cheering for his good fortune. NAW & ORDER is the greatest show of all time! — K👁🌲🐺🌲 (@Kgformvp211) May 9, 2024 Alexander-Walker leaves as one of the greatest development stories in Timberwolves history. He arrived as a seldom-used bench player in Utah, a combo guard who didn't seem deft enough to handle the point but wasn't consistent enough as a shooter to play the two. In reality, his contract was the biggest reason he was included in the deal, since he made enough money to help the Timberwolves, Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers pull off a three-team trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to the Lakers and got the Wolves the point guard they needed in Conley. He knew that he was holding on to a spot in the league by his fingernails when he first got to Minnesota. He hoped that his familiarity with coach Chris Finch, who was on the staff in New Orleans when Alexander-Walker was drafted by the Pelicans in the first round in 2019, would at least give him a chance at some playing time. Bouncing around from New Orleans to Portland to Utah and, finally, to Minnesota humbled him to the point that when he reunited with Finch he was willing to do anything it took to carve out a place for himself in the league. What everyone settled on was for Alexander-Walker to become a defensive demon on the perimeter whose ability to knock down clutch 3s prompted Edwards to offer a colorful description of the anatomical features required to take and make such big shots. With no ego or pretense, NAW threw himself into the role. He embraced the label of defensive stopper, eschewing any designs on being the big-time scorer that he thought he was capable of being when he was drafted out of Virginia Tech. He hounded ballhandlers on the perimeter, the tip of the spear on a Wolves defense that was dominant in 2023-24 and still excellent last season. Advertisement He also hit 39 percent of his 3s in 2023-24 and 38 percent last season, making him the quintessential 3-and-D guy for a team that made the conference finals in each of the last two seasons. The more the Timberwolves relied on him, the more he seemed to rise to the occasion. He knew what it felt like to be the odd man out of the rotation, to be the disappointment. So when a team finally entrusted him, that responsibility did not weigh him down. It lifted him to the best basketball of his career. He did not miss a game over the last two seasons, could step into the starting lineup when needed be and was adept at running the point and playing off the ball. On defense, he was a menace, guarding any guard or wing with his quick feet, Teflon slipping of screens and the hands of a ninja. 'I feel like this year is probably my best year in a lot of ways,' Alexander-Walker said after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the conference finals. 'Especially just with the way my career has gone. I would say it's the most I've consistently played. It's the most I've had the chance to consistently help the team win.' Almost as important as his contributions on the court was the heart that was tattooed on his sleeve with the rest of his ink. Edwards is the face of the franchise. Gobert is the backbone and Conley the brains of the operation. McDaniels is the killer instinct. Alexander-Walker has been the team's conscience. While many players get in and out of media interviews as quickly and as boringly as possible, Alexander-Walker chewed on the questions he faced, ruminated on them and delivered long, thoughtful and introspective answers in good times and bad. He was constantly expressing gratitude for the faith the Timberwolves placed in him, an expression that dripped with genuineness because he knew what life was like at the end of the bench. 'Watching back some of these games, the good ones, the bad ones, as painful as it may be, getting close I think hurts more than never making it at all,' NAW said at his exit interview. 'At least, you could've said, 'What if I made it?' 'If you're that close and you know you're not accomplishing it but it's right there, it makes me want to learn how to become a winner, and how to grow as a player. Where am I missing that ingredient? What can be applied?' Advertisement That was Nickeil in a nutshell: never bitter at his lack of opportunity early in his career, never blaming teammates for tough losses, like the blowout in Game 5 against OKC that ended the Wolves' season. Always looking for ways he could be better and help his teammates more. He wasn't perfect, and he would be the first person to tell you that. He turned the ball over too often when he tried to play point guard. He could be streaky as a shooter, and slumps could linger because of how much thought Alexander-Walker puts into everything in his life. But he was a difference maker on the court and in the locker room for the Timberwolves. Yes, the Wolves have some promising young players in Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham who are poised to take those 25 minutes a night and make their own marks. They are dynamic, hungry and intriguing players whom Finch said he will trust to hold down the fort now that Alexander-Walker is gone. The three of them may well be able to, in aggregate, make up for a lot of what NAW is taking with him to Atlanta. But they won't be able to duplicate his spirit. They cannot recreate the frustration he felt in his first five years and the concern he had about slipping out of the league if things didn't work out with the Timberwolves. Alexander-Walker had no idea what his future held when he first arrived here. But through his diligence, humility and sweat equity, and through the time and energy poured into him by Finch and his coaching staff, he emerged as an essential piece of the Timberwolves puzzle and an unforgettable stitch in the team's fabric. He will be replaced in Minnesota. He will not be duplicated. Walking around the Timberwolves team store last season, seeing his jersey for sale struck me as so interesting that I took a picture and held onto it for the right time. I saved it for a moment before a game in Dallas on Jan. 22. Alexander-Walker had gone 3 of 20 in the previous two games, losses to Cleveland and Memphis. He was in a bit of a funk and searching for a way to find his game. I walked up to him at his locker and pulled out my phone. I showed him the picture of his jersey in the store and told him that I couldn't remember seeing an eighth man's jersey selling at volume in any other arena. Advertisement He smiled widely and pumped his fist, knowing full well that every bit of the love and support he received in Minnesota was earned. When the Hawks come to Target Center next season and Alexander-Walker looks up into the crowd, he will surely see plenty of those No. 9s there waiting for him.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orlando Magic Could Target Minnesota Timberwolves Guard
The offseason has already begun for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After their Game 5 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it immediately became time for Chris Finch to turn the page. This summer is a critical one with multiple key storylines to watch. Maybe most importantly is just how different things will look as Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez take over as owners. That process now has a late-June timeline, and will be quickly followed by the NBA Draft (June 25th) and free agency (June 30th). Advertisement Of course Tim Connelly, should he return as team president, also has to make multiple roster decisions. Insider suggests Nickeil Alexander-Walker a fit for Orlando Magic Last week local insider Darren 'Doogie' Wolfson outlined a blueprint for a trio of Minnesota Timberwolves free agents. Of the Naz Reid, Julius Randle, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker group, it was NAW that he sees as certainly gone. NBA Insider Marc Stein tied the Timberwolves guard to the Orlando Magic. 'Next season's full midlevel exception will be worth more than three times what Alexander-Walker made last season at $14.1 million … with rumbles already in circulation that Orlando is a team to watch as a potential suitor.' Marc Stein – The Stein Line That full midlevel exception is the same value that Wolfson alluded to him having done everything in his power to earn. NAW spent time with both New Orleans and Utah before truly blossoming in Minnesota. Advertisement Orlando finished with a 41-41 record this past season. They made the playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic won just a single game against the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round. NAW represents another starting option to pair with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. Alexander-Walker was a bench player for Chris Finch's Minnesota Timberwolves, but he has become one of the premier perimeter defenders across the NBA. The 6'5″ shooting guard averaged 9.4 points per game this season. His 43.8% shooting was bested by only the 43.9% he shot a year ago. Obviously it was his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that drew all of the major headlines in the Western Conference Finals. Alexader-Walker's 23 point outing in Game 4 was quite a statement though. It was a postseason career-best across 37 total games. Advertisement Related: Local Insider Scoops Timberwolves Plan for Multiple Key Contributors This Offseason This was the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract NAW signed with the Timberwolves. He should make well over that amount annually, and the total figure should be a handsome sum for the 26-year-old. The Minnesota Timberwolves are largely expected to stay out of the bidding process for Alexander-Walker. They'll need to replace his minutes with another capable bench player. They are also looking for a creator that can operate as a solid point guard alongside Anthony Edwards. Related Headlines
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit the smoothest shot over his cousin in the WCF
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit the smoothest shot over his cousin in the WCF We've all had that one moment with the basketball in the backyard. It's you against your cousin or sibling, going at it one-on-one for the championship. What championship? Nobody knows, really. You're just playing ball. And, if you win, you get bragging rights until the next day when you do it all over again. You can just picture the moment in your head now. You've got the ball. Your cousin plays up on you pretty tightly — you're probably getting fouled, honestly, but whatever. You're imagining the clock winding down and putting up that last shot to win the game. You probably bricked the shot, but who cares? You had a good time. And, best of all, you got to spend time with the homie. That's what matters in the end. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker got to live out that scenario in real life on one of the biggest stages the NBA has to offer. BELIEVE IN THE THUNDER: Here are three reasons why OKC will advance to the NBA Finals The two got a chance to go at it during the Western Conference Finals. Shai got a sweet bucket on cuzzo right here. These two have probably had moments just like this so many times growing up together. They played on the same basketball teams growing up until SGA went to college at Kentucky in 2017 and NAW went to Virginia Tech. Shai said he felt a bit bad about having to play his cousin in the Western Conference Finals because of how close they are, but he certainly didn't show any mercy on that jumper. That's probably a bit of revenge for the trash talk NAW gave him in the group chat. It's all good, though. Alexander-Walker got a bit of revenge a few plays later when this foul got overturned and Shai ended up on the ground. This is such a fun matchup to watch. These two will have a lot to talk about over the summer, no matter how this series ends.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wholesaler association says impending tariffs may worsen inflation
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has expressed concerns over President Donald Trump's impending tariffs – set to go into effect on Wednesday. On March 26, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs for all cars, light-duty trucks and certain auto parts imported into the U.S. These tariffs, along with a wider array of additional tariffs are planned for Wednesday. A recent news release from the industry trade association highlighted potential negative impacts tariffs may have on the supply chain and U.S. economy. While NAW acknowledged the president's efforts to boost the economy, it warned that continued tariffs on key trading partners like Canada and Mexico could lead to significant cash flow issues and disruptions for association said tariffs 'divert valuable capital away from critical investments in hiring, wages, training, and expansion – the very factors that drive economic growth and support American workers.' 'Additionally, tariff-induced disruptions risk exacerbating inflation, increasing the cost of essential goods, and placing financial strain on businesses and consumers alike,' NAW stated. 'As negotiations continue, NAW encourages President Trump to consider these economic realities and pursue policies that enhance American competitiveness while maintaining affordability and financial flexibility for the companies that power our economy.' NAW, founded in 1946, represents the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry that employs over 6 million workers across the U.S. and accounts for one-third of U.S. post Wholesaler association says impending tariffs may worsen inflation appeared first on FreightWaves.
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Henry Schein Chairman and CEO Stanley M. Bergman Receives National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 12, 2025-- Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced today that Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, received the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) Dirk Van Dongen Lifetime Achievement Award. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Left to right: Stanley Bergman, Kathy Mazzarella (Vice-Chair of NAW Board of Directors and Chairman, President, and CEO of Graybar), and Eric Hoplin (President and CEO, NAW). (Photo: Business Wire) The recognition pays tribute to individuals who have continually exemplified leadership, service, and engagement with NAW and the distribution community over many years. Mr. Bergman received the award at the 2025 NAW Executive Summit Gala on January 28 in Washington, D.C. 'Thank you to NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin and the NAW leadership team for this humbling recognition, which is named in honor of the great Dirk Van Dongen, whose work elevated the voice of wholesalers to the national stage,' said Mr. Bergman. 'This award reflects the commitment and hard work of the thousands of Team Schein Members who together work daily to make Henry Schein a most trusted and valued partner to health care professionals. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the NAW to advocate for policies that make American businesses more competitive in today's markets.' NAW is a trade association representing the $8.2 trillion wholesale distribution industry. More than 6 million workers are employed in the wholesale distribution industry throughout the United States, accounting for 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 35,000 wholesale distribution companies operate in nearly 150,000 places of business across North America, including all 50 states. 'For over three decades, Stanley Bergman and Team Schein have been a guiding force in the distribution landscape, embodying the values of integrity, visionary leadership, and community engagement,' said Eric Hoplin, President and CEO of NAW. 'We're thrilled to recognize Stan's longstanding commitment to our industry, and we applaud his relentless dedication to uplifting our profession on a global scale.' For more information about Henry Schein, please click here. About Henry Schein, Inc. Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With approximately 26,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers. A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.3 billion in 2023, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.5 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. 631.479.7309 SOURCE: Henry Schein, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 02/12/2025 06:30 AM/DISC: 02/12/2025 06:30 AM
