Danny Green defined the 3-and-D role during his 14-year NBA career, finishing with a solid 39.9% mark from beyond the arc and winning three championships. Now, he’s highlighting the next generation of two-way stars.
Who Is Danny Green’s Shock No. 1 Pick?
Speaking on NBA TV, Green unveiled his top five 3-and-D players in the league this season, and his No. 1 pick will raise a few eyebrows. “No. 1 is none other than Nickeil Alexander-Walker,” Green said. “He’s had a huge jump from last year to this year, and I’m sure the Minnesota Timberwolves will be upset they gave this kid away.”
Green continued, “He’s gone from like 10 points a game last year to over 20 points a game this year and is shooting 38% from three, 45% from the field, and shooting a couple of 30 balls…He’s become a Most Improved Player candidate, blocking shots, steals, and putting finishing touches on games.”
Traded to the Atlanta Hawks this past summer, Alexander-Walker previously served as an integral role player who helped the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons. During the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 25.3 minutes, recording 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
However, his move to Atlanta has given him a new lease on life. The guard is earning extended minutes on the court (32.8) and averaging a career-high 20.6 points on 45.1% shooting from the field. This huge jump in play has generated talk of him winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, a testament to his progress since joining the Hawks.
Alexander-Walker led Atlanta with 30 points in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 29. Afterward, OKC superstar, Canadian teammate, and cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared his thoughts on that progress. Speaking post-game, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Really good player. You saw bits and pieces of it last year with Minnesota. He had a big game in the conference finals.”
“I knew he was capable of the caliber he’s at now,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “He’s getting an opportunity to showcase his talent, and he’s taking advantage of it.”
Can Alexander-Walker Sustain This Defense?
Being a good 3-and-D guy isn’t just about scoring; it’s about making plays on the defensive end and stopping the opposition’s best players. The Hawks guard/forward currently holds an incredible 119.8 defensive rating while averaging one steal and 0.7 blocks per game.
His arrival in Atlanta gave the Hawks a second lockdown perimeter defender alongside Dyson Daniels. They both excel at one-on-one defending and create defensive chaos, with Alexander-Walker generating 170 total deflections last season.
Alexander-Walker is quickly establishing himself as one of the best defenders and sharpshooters in the NBA. Now the question becomes whether he can become an All-Star and potentially chase a championship in the future.
