When the Atlanta Hawks introduced Nickeil Alexander-Walker to their fanbase this week, they probably didn’t expect the conversation to veer into AI conspiracy territory. But fans were quick to speculate that the video was digitally generated.
The Hawks didn’t waste time shutting it down. They wrote a six-word reply that has everyone talking.
Why Did the Hawks Need to Address AI Video Speculation?
As social media buzzed over the look and feel of Alexander-Walker’s introductory clip, Atlanta jumped in with a direct reply. The post, which has since gone viral in its own right, put any doubts to rest. The video is real, the player is real, and so is the team’s faith in him.
“Y’all this is not ai,” the Hawks posted on their official X account.
Y’all this is NOT ai 😠https://t.co/1XUamb7rHm pic.twitter.com/6BoYwNI8oI
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 7, 2025
That belief is backed by serious money. Atlanta is acquiring Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade worth $62 million over four years. The deal includes a player option and a trade kicker, per reports. In return, Minnesota will receive a 2027 second-round pick (via Cleveland) and cash.
For the Hawks, this isn’t just a flashy move. It’s a smart addition of a player entering his prime after a breakout season. Alexander-Walker, 6-foot-5, appeared in all 82 games for the Timberwolves in 2024-25, averaging a career-best 25.3 minutes, 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
He knocked down 42.5% of his catch-and-shoot threes, the 10th-best mark in the league (minimum 275 attempts), and recorded 170 deflections along with the NBA’s second-highest rate of defensive loose ball recoveries at 72.5%. His versatility as a ball handler and defensive anchor fills a key gap in Atlanta’s rotation, especially as the franchise continues to reshape its identity.
Why Did the Hawks Make a Move for Luke Kennard?
The Hawks didn’t stop with Alexander-Walker. They also agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with free agent sharpshooter Luke Kennard. The 29-year-old, known for his elite three-point shooting, connected on 43.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc in 2024-25.
Sources say Trae Young played a key role in recruiting both players, signaling that Atlanta’s star is fully bought into the front office’s offseason vision.
While the viral video stirred unexpected attention, the real story is what Alexander-Walker brings to Atlanta’s future. After years of bouncing between New Orleans, Utah, and Minnesota, he has quietly become one of the most reliable and well-rounded role players in the league.
Plus, after carving out historic playoff moments in Minnesota, including multiple 20-point postseason bench games, Alexander-Walker arrives in Atlanta ready to contribute to a team looking for its next chapter.
AI or not, the Hawks are all in.
