Nickeil Alexander-Walker & CJ McCollum Explain Why the Hawks Got So Hot

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

CJ McCollum reveals how the Hawks tightened small details off the court to become a top team.

The episode features an interview with Atlanta Hawks guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum, hosted by Tommy Alter. They begin by discussing how they were traded for each other early in their careers and their initial respect for one another. The Hawks' recent success is analyzed, with McCollum crediting coach Quinn Snyder's detailed film sessions and the team's buy-in on defense and sharing. Alexander-Walker emphasizes how small off-court details and self-accountability elevated the team. McCollum shares his experience being traded to the Washington Wizards and practicing gratitude. Alexander-Walker delves into his Toronto upbringing, describing the city's basketball culture, playing at Sparroway court, and competing with childhood friend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Both players discuss emotional control, with Alexander-Walker noting Gilgeous-Alexander's consistent demeanor and McCollum sharing his journey from anger issues to meditation. McCollum talks about the 'healthy paranoia' needed to sustain an NBA career. Alexander-Walker recounts his draft night anxiety and early career struggles, including learning from JJ Redick and finding his defensive identity in Minnesota. He highlights a memorable moment with Anthony Edwards trash-talking a fan in the playoffs. McCollum updates on his wine business expansion. The episode concludes with both players reflecting on gratitude and enjoying the present moment in their careers.

As heard by us

Nikhil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum trace the calm, work, and self-belief behind Atlanta's steadiness.

Nikhil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum give this episode its personal pull, linking playoff pressure to confidence, work, and emotional control.

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Want to hear two Atlanta Hawks talk through what has been going right without turning it into a mystery?

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