Incredible Progress in a Year: Started as a Reserve, Became a Starter by Chance, and Won NBA Recognition Ahead of a Zvezda Legend's Son /VIDEO/

The Canadian basketball player edged out Deni Avdija and Jalen Duren in the final selection, earning the recognition for what was statistically the best season of his career by far.

Alexander-Walker concluded the league portion of the season averaging 20.8 points per game, more than doubling his average from his first six professional seasons. He also recorded career-highs in assists (3.7), rebounds (3.4), and steals (1.3), alongside a 46% field goal percentage, which was also a career best.

Part of this statistical improvement can be attributed to a significantly increased playing time. This season, he played 2603 minutes, which is 530 minutes more than his previous best season in that regard. He justified these minutes with personal records in three-pointers made (251) and free throws made (277), boasting 40% accuracy from beyond the arc and 90% from the free-throw line.

His season was greatly impacted by Trae Young's early injury, which propelled him from a sixth-man role into the starting lineup. He solidified his new role after Young's trade to Washington, all culminating in an outstanding season that was ultimately recognized by the NBA league.

His Atlanta Hawks team recorded a video of his reaction after the announcement and shared it on social media. You can see how it unfolded in the attached post.

VIDEO: She's from Denver, loves Jokic, and follows him closely: Tatiana reveals everything about Nikola's life in Colorado for Sportal!