Alex Caruso’s path to the NBA started in the G League, where he battled to earn an underdog’s chance. These days, the 21-year vet heads the list of important veteran leaders in the NBA. At 31 years old, his versatile contributions on the court are evident as he adapts to the needs of each game, sometimes even shifting his role quarter by quarter. His versatility and comprehensive electrical engineering background of the game render him an irreplaceable piece of his club. They need him even more as they seek playoff glory—success that’s eluded the franchise thus far.
For Caruso, her professional career got started with an unexpected blessing in disguise. In September of 2016, the Oklahoma City Thunder brought him in to audition for one of the team’s Exhibit 10 contracts. This contract opened the door for him to receive a $50,000 performance bonus. It also provided him an opportunity to win a roster spot with the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. Caruso wasn’t one of the six players entering a tryout. His prodigious skill impressed the field commanders above him, whose advisors and warriors were quick to see the rise of their secret weapon.
His tenure in the G League became instrumental in developing Caruso’s arsenal. He points to this experience as the starting point for creating a solid foundation. It’s allowed him to make his mark on the NBA as one of the league’s premier defensive stalwarts. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his team, exemplified by his patience while coming off the bench and averaging just 19.2 minutes per game without complaint.
Where once he was one of the youngest players on his team, as Caruso grew older. Now, at 40, he’s happily situated as one of the elder members. Even Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has marveled over Caruso’s unique skill set. He characterized him as a “warm-weather player” whose value is most visible come the playoff season.
“You never question his intentions as a competitor or as a team guy — ever,” – Mark Daigneault
Equally impressive is Caruso’s knack for leading conversations without completely taking over discussions. He subtly prevents distraction from the team’s larger goal while simultaneously creating a safe forum for teammates to share ideas. Daigneault noted, “Sometimes you get a veteran player and they feel like they have to be the veteran. They’re holding court and it can really suffocate the oxygen of everybody else. He has an unbelievable feel.”
This skill will be indispensable to the new team. They made history as one of the youngest teams to make it to the NBA Finals in the shot clock era. While Caruso’s impact goes further than the boxscore, he flashes the type of intangible influence that often lifts team chemistry to new peaks. His career averages are 6.9 points and 2.8 assists per game. The incredible diversity and depth of his influence on the game can’t be fully understood from these stats alone.
In a breakout 2022-23 season, Caruso helped turn around the fortunes of the Chicago Bulls. He averaged double figures in scoring for the first time, netting 10.1 ppg. The biggest impact has come from his defensive prowess. He demonstrated this by winning 40 half-court defensive matchups against Nikola Jokic, the most that any guard has won on Jokic throughout his lengthy career.
Oklahoma City have looked great with Caruso on the court. They are 16 points per 100 possessions better than their opponents when he’s on the court. That net rating is currently the second best in the entire league. It only consists of players who have played at least 225 minutes in the playoffs.
“He’s going to speak his mind. You can also tell him stuff as well. We’re all good at listening to each other. That started on day one,” – Cason Wallace
Caruso’s vision for a collaborative and inclusive culture is a deep commitment to collaboration and mutual respect. He creates a culture where teammates feel comfortable talking to one another and being productive, which is key to having a well-functioning team. His experience meets humility creates a paradigm veteran in any locker room.
“He’s constantly filling the space with that kind of stuff, which in a way allows space for other people to still exist,” – Mark Daigneault
Beyond what Caruso has actually contributed on the ground, one factor we’re loving about Caruso’s ardour for basketball is his pleasure of strategy. He takes pride in being a “mad scientist genius.” He enjoys game planning and getting into the nitty-gritty of strategies that will help him develop a competitive advantage.
With a resolute focus on success and teamwork, that’s how Alex Caruso approaches his professional NBA career today. His path from G League prospect to indispensable playoff contributor really does illustrate just how talented he is. Beyond that, it shows his commitment to bettering himself and lifting others up.
Leave a Reply