Alex Caruso Shouldn’t Be This Good

Alex Caruso is the perfect role player in the modern NBA. How does he fit with All Star Zach LaVine and Point Guard Lonzo Ball. Is he a Top 10 NBA Player on defense? The Lakers did not sign him as a Free Agent, but they could have; he was a part of their NBA Championship team in the bubble.
Will he be looked at as an NBA Legend one day? Will he ever team up with LeBron James again? Find out in the latest video from Thinking Basketball's Video Coordinator.
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[@Thanos23]

I love this kind of players. Throw him in any team, and it's an immediately upgrade.

[@desiv1170]

Agreed! I see a lot of similarities with his game and Gary Payton Jr... I love seeing that type of player get a chance to help their team!!! It's not all about the star players..

[@rd9669]

@@desiv1170 exactly he doesn’t need to drop 20 a game to have an impact or take 20 shots a game, people keep talking about these super teams but guys like him and Lou Williams do so much with less minutes.

[@danielstith5227]

Actually he really reminds me of John Stockton the HoF PG for the Jazz all those years. Never was the primary scorer, but his tenacious defense and low mistake high distribution offense style made the Jazz the perennial playoff team they were.

[@davidfebreeze428]

@@danielstith5227Stockton had way more of the ball though… he was getting double digit assists basically every game while Caruso is probably best as more of an off ball role player who can make really good extra passes also Stockton was just a flat out better scorer … I’d compare Caruso more to a player like Ron Harper (not stylistically but in terms of role on a winning team)

[@ethandanielcorbett1622]

As a Laker fan, I never understood why they didn't keep Caruso this season. We miss him.

[@JoseMorales-vq5fu]

worst move ever letting him go

[@blurryface5744]

The guy was literally a starter for the final championship match and they still didn't keep him. Lakers tweakin💀

[@justainchoe6141]

We couldn’t afford to keep him. We went for big3 instead.

[@sean269]

They want senior citizens

[@theportugueselegend]

Lebron happened. He only wants one average white guy in his team. As a Laker fan, I love the combo Caruso and Ball do in Chicago. Worth 100 Westbrooks

[@marcusaurelius5149]

Caruso has a defensive mind. When he's on offense, he's reading the floor like a defensive player. If there's a weakness in the defense he exploits it. So unless you're an aggressive offensive player, and Caruso generally isn't, you exploit the defense by drawing defenders to create an opening. Often that means Caruso is passing because the moment you gain possession of the ball the defense adjusts. That gives him a read and he goes from there.

[@imightbebiased9311]

If you go further back than his interview with JJ Redick, and listen to the one he did with Duncan Robinson, Caruso credits his time with the OKC G-League team for this. Sam Presti sat with the team on the bus and let them ask questions. When he asked Presti what he was looking for out of a player to bring up, be said, "Show me that you can lock up anyone from 1-5." Caruso took it to heart. Now he's got a ring, and some amazing defensive stats.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

Yeah, i was sensing that!! You nailed it. His style is the embodiment of his personality and mindset, he probably loves defense more than offense and is not an aggressive person. This also shows in the fact that he's great and steadly improves but he doesn't aim for the top, he's content with just doing his role at his best and helping the team, most players are role players so we're seeing the mentality of a great one, which is unusual and peculiar (i think if he gained more weapons in offense he could be a star one day, that he could take the leap, but i also think he sees this kind of greed as a distraction, to shine is not "his role"). And about identity-based playstyle, i can really resonate with this because i am also a defensive person that was not really into offense until recently, outsmarting and playmaking was my essence. Essencially the same mindset on both ends. But over the years i've been trying to be more aggressive by realizating that in the game and life you can't win by just being on the defensive, to win you must attack.

[@babyeric]

I have been shocked by the success of Chicago's defense this season. I always tend to underrate the defensive impact of guards when thinking about roster construction, and this video did a great job providing insight into a piece of why Chicago's defense has been so effective. Love this content, thanks for making it. It was a joy to watch.

[@MDLR]

Love this comment! Something worth thinking about - reminds me of the rhetoric around Gobert in the playoffs too. Obviously it’s a fluid thing - maybe he played poorly, but also his guards couldn’t contain LAC at the point of attack at all

[@strcelrau]

So Bulls get 2 excellent perimeter defenders and you are shocked that they are good defensively?

[@David-iv6je]

Great individual defenders are nice, but team defense is necessary to win in volume. That requires buy in and high defensive IQ by teammates, even if they cannot do it athletically or choose "the perfect angles' like Caruso does. So kudos to the rest of the Bulls guy for executing great defensive screens and to coach Billy Donovan for making it happen. I didn't love Donovan in OKC. But maybe he was under the Curse of the Sasquatch and is now free of it.

[@obnoxiouslakerfan]

I forever will have the image of Alex Caruso as offensive lubricant stuck in my head now

[@dyn9726]

let's wait for manscape to put out brand for caruso :P

[@jgray2718]

Caruso is a lot like Draymond. Really good defense, plays bigger than his actual size, very smart, good passing, etc. He's also a better shooter and isn't terrible from 3 (though he's not good either). I'm not saying he's as good as Draymond, but they definitely have similar styles.

[@FloydYoder]

I call those types of players "make shit happen" players. Crazy thing is I would categorize Lonzo as that type of player as well and he and Caruso have proven to be a terror of a duo to deal with.

[@jgray2718]

@@FloydYoder 100% agree. I always liked Lonzo when he was on the Lakers. He wasn't a good scorer but he was really good at everything else. Great defense, good rebounding, great passing, very quiet and unassuming guy. He didn't fit well with Lebron, and the Lakers didn't do much to help him develop before shipping him off for AD. I'm really glad he's developed so well; what he's doing now is the way he should have always been used. To be fair to the Lakers, though, he's turned himself into a really good 3 point sniper and he was quite a terrible shooter as a rookie; that lack of threat also made it hard for him to get to the hoop since everyone just sagged off him. So maybe he just needed a couple years to develop (he's still only 24). It does make sense - he only played 1 year in college, so he probably just needed a little time, and he wasn't going to get it in LA with all the hype and pressure. Those expectation-less years in New Orleans might have been exactly what he needed. I've been following the Bulls this year and it's been really fun to watch them. They're very good, and you talk about positionless basketball - all their best players are 6'5" to 6'7" or Vucevic. I'm really interested to see them in a year or two when they've actually played together for a bit.

[@Zantsui]

Your take on his offence is spot on. It can be frustrating when he dolls out amazing passes and shows vision on offence, but then either doesn’t pass or takes 3 bad shots and goes cold. Caruso is the guy who I can see picking up a reliable jumper and becoming an all star more then anyone.

[@fluffyninja28]

Personally I’d like him to be more agressive at times offensively

[@exzelhlimpuiaclifford7028]

Totally agree with both comments. He had one 30 point game with the Lakers I think. I wish he was that aggressive every game. Would be amazing

[@jgray2718]

100% agree with this, and also with the comment about him being more aggressive. In 2018-19 when Lebron was hurt at the end of the season and the Lakers were completely terrible they just ran out the bench guys and saw what they had. Caruso was the primary point guard, playing 25+ mpg (including a couple times over 40 minutes), and he absolutely crushed it. He was basically forced to be aggressive on offense and he had a bunch of good games, including a 32 point, 10 rebound game and an 18 point, 11 assist game, and other good performances. Some of the games were basically 48 minutes of garbage time, and he was inconsistent, but it was NBA competition and he spent the first 3/4 of the season in the G League (he was on a two-way at the time). And then next year Lebron came back and Caruso went back to playing D and standing in the corner on offense. I was super disappointed because I thought the Lakers had found a potential 3rd option out of nowhere; he still needed to develop on offense, but he showed a lot of promise, and then he just stopped being aggressive and deferred to Lebron all the time. The Lakers just don't do a good job of developing young players. They had Brandon Ingram, Lonzo, Caruso, Jordan Clarkson, and others, and they're all better players elsewhere than they were with the Lakers. They get more responsibility, produce more, and just play better. As a Laker fan since forever, I really hope they fix this. They do absurdly well in free agency, and they draft decently. If they could develop a culture like the Heat or the Raptors they wouldn't have to try nonsense like they're doing this year with what has to be the oldest team in league history. Instead of trying to just rent every formerly great player over 35 they could have a trove of young, developing players. I hope they don't ruin Talen Horton-Tucker, as he's the last promising young homegrown guy they have.

[@Zantsui]

@@jgray2718 EXACTLY!! The dude can torch people at the expense of efficiency that seemed to be him adjusting to the nba. You’re spot on with him seemingly relegating himself to only wide open shots, and throwing dimes most of the time. Then out of nowhere he decides to attack and pulls out some mid air Jordan shit, or high of the glass, or a dirty dunk. I really really really hope he bumps his shooting with lavine and derozen

[@maaduece5132]

He's very team first offense mind set

[@Ironmurs]

Bummed out Lakers fan here. Always a Caruso fan wherevers he’s ballin at

[@ryu-ken]

Caruso is the epitome of hard work beats talent when talent doesnt work hard. He shouldn't even be in the league but he worked his butt off and played a crucial role on a championship run and is now one of the smartest perimeter defender

[@Zantsui]

I agree with the sentiment but I personally think his athleticism lends itself to the fact that nothing beats talent that works hard. He’s not just good, he’s a good NBA player, I.E. one of the best in the world. Ask what teams he isn’t a starter on and you find a short list

[@regulatedfreestylevideos]

caruso is my #1 and you NAILED IT that the new league rules on fouling absolutely aligned with his playing style and allow his game to flourish, I recall how often when he'd actually get proper minutes with the lakers there was a lot of fouling from him as well. great vid

[@jeffthurman2844]

Great summary. Only thing I might add is how his speed passes and screen setting can also help the offense. Lakers seemed to use him to set screens a lot more. I remember Mark Jackson pointing out the excellent screens in the playoffs.

[@MDLR]

Yep, one thing I didn’t hit on was his passing in transition (like hit aheads) is really good too

[@tobytomlinson814]

This is one of the best videos I've seen explaining how complex defensive schemes can be in the NBA. The pros make it seem so simple in real time

[@MDLR]

thank you so much!

[@cannonwinder]

Lakers must be really regretting not giving Caruso another contract. He'd help them so much this season.

[@imightbebiased9311]

Definitely did NOT need to bring back Rondo for a 2nd go round.

[@jdh9676]

I feel like AC is a Draymond Green level impact player. You look at Green's numbers and think "why does GS need him?" On Chicago you can look at AC's numbers and think the same. But see what they do and understand basketball and their value to any team serious about competing is obvious.

[@GreenJeepAdventures]

I often think of the AC to DG comparison as well. They are never going to be the offensive focus of their respective teams, but they act like force multipliers, which make their Alphas more efficient and help swing the momentum in games.

[@Matzes]

Caruso went from meme to legit legit nba Player.

[@injusticeanywherethreatens265]

OMG thanks for this video. He is truly one of the best role players in the league right now. I'd even say if they're careful with his ankles, because of all that movement and banging on defence, and they keep him happy we are looking at the GOAT role player. I dooooo however think his passing isn't at the levels of the great role playing passers like Pippen and his defence isn't at the level of Smart's, sure, however he's got a way to go as he's so young. Thanks Mike. Thank Caruso!

[@danielchan1324]

This is a great video! I'm pretty new to basketball having only watched the nba for the last 2 years and breaking defensive schemes down like this with little animated descriptions of what players are doing helps a ton!

[@MDLR]

great to hear! something i’ll keep in mind for future stuff

[@chestergould2864]

Great analysis, I get Thinking Basketball vibes from this style of video. Keep doing what you’re doing man

[@mr.wellsy]

found this from twitter, dope video!

[@primecrisp]

I have never seen so many Caruso videos on KZbin before this year. Keep it up, 6moty

[@MDLR]

I wish 6MOTY wasn’t just a PPG award - he’d be a great candidate imo. Also, the Bulls could start him more too!

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

4:42 His stats are INSAAAAANE, i didn't thought he was that good! So happy for the goat.

[@nickwilliam78]

That's one of the best scouting reports on a pro player I've ever heard. Great job

[@MDLR]

Thanks man! Gonna have more in the future!

[@emk-du7dz]

Caruso very appreciated in Chicago tha bulls BullsNation

[@enzorocha2977]

Always rooted for any team playing against the Lakers, but gotta admit, I get a lump in my throat whenever AC subs in, especially at crucial moments of the game. And now he's out of LA, I root every time he steps on the court. What a threat; a real asset. Respect.

[@ebony0009]

Smart content; subscribed, and interested in more! One thing: hearing the Thinking Basketball music made me think rip-off at first, not homage (after I looked you up). Ben's got a great model; use that to flesh out your own style. Good luck!

[@ExstasinBloopers]

Fax. These skills translate on any team and caruso’s skills are the type that make a good offense great.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

0:53 This song... i'm having Thinking Basketball vibes 😂😂. +200iq immediately, LETS FUCKING GOOOOO. Edit: Ooops, just noticed the #, and your voice and pic looked similar, you did a great video for him before!!!

[@albertross2456]

The Mac macclung and Caruso parallels with lakers and bulls is crazy to me

[@daddoingstunts202]

Caruso knows how to play the game the smart way. And when the push comes to show, he can handle the hard way as well.

[@sagottv6624]

Alex Caruso is one of my best idol in NBA now.because his cool guy.

[@rpg_haven]

Caruso being 6'5" and only 186 lb makes me feel like a fat fuck

[@AceXun13]

Caruso is the perfect player for any team.. what if he gets 6th man and defensive player of the year... LEGENDARY... my favorite player to watch

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

2:25 Now i want a Marcus Smart video! 😂

[@markushey8762]

my man with this style of videos and your breakdowns sky's the limit cant wait to see you hit 10k!

[@micahclawrence]

He plays with more heart than anyone else playing today. He's a 90's ball player and it's wonderful.

[@stickyone11]

Was so salty when I heard the news of Lakers giving him and Cuzma up

[@javigar133]

Great review, only to comment, we cannot criticise him for not being more aggressive on offense with all the hard work he does on D. If you enjoy basketball, you appreciate this Guy

[@CantStandMorons]

A player like Caruso that plays all out every possession is contagious and his teammates feeds off his energy which is mainly why the Bulls are what they are. Props to Caruso. Lakers deflf fkd up on this one.

[@emilbdp]

Great vid!

[@cuervo3836]

GDI Lakers from the day they passed on him I knew we’d regret it…I miss the CaruShow

[@Kamilkamil-ks1nl]

he reminds me of Pippen, great skills and underappreciated

[@HertzogHoopsPodcast]

Woah new MDLR just dropped

[@danielstith5227]

If you just change the name from Alex Caruso... to John Stockton... pretty spot on.... Stock was never a huge bucket getter, but that wasn't his role. I remember a few games when some of the starters were hurt when Stock would drop a 30 piece to pick up a W. The NBA got into that 'heliocentric' offensive system a decade or so ago and we forgot that frequently the guy who is 'background' is, in all reality, the engine that makes the offense 'go' when he's on the court.

[@F1zzii]

As a bulls fan I'm glad the trade fell through and we get to keep him

[@HoopVenue]

Phenomenal video!

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Caruso is one of the best with what physical ability he has. He has tremendous high basketball IQ. He is great at knowing where to be at and predicting the opposing teams next move which is why he is great at deflections. He of course has trouble with super quick offensive players. On offense he is too small and too slow to create his own shots but he makes great decisions with the ball and off ball. He is a solid shooter of wide open but unable to shoot with accuracy over players so he just doesn’t take those shots.

[@WickedMo13]

Miss the Goat...now lowkey a Bulls fan, shh

[@Antondepadua]

I agree with everything other than calling him a role-player. Hopefully when the season ends he gets even more recognition as a defensive superstar!

[@arthurboyer9010]

Youve been an amazing asset to the bulls. You remind me of my game. Defense wins games. But you can pick it up on offense when you need to. Hoping for a quick look recovery.

[@arthurboyer9010]

I meant quick recovery.

[@qwickiegaming8597]

More times rejections leads to self proving and he definitely killed it

[@Christoff070]

Concise and nice

[@MDLR]

that was the goal!

[@ShinMadero]

Great analysis.

[@ianr7748]

No one caught he said 32 team? That’s the nfl bud not the 30 Nba has. Anywhoosies. Love the video and Caruso

[@NinjaNuggets21]

Dude is a champion. His mentality and execution is too goood

[@elvinsabido228]

great video man! You've earned my subscription!

[@MDLR]

Welcome aboard!

[@oephry3253]

Great video but the music you have in the background is way too low that it almost feels pointless. Found you from thinking basketball so you can use him as a good example of a balance between the two

[@Yael_D_]

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard

[@louisrasky8143]

For all of the reasons you mentioned that is why he would have been perfect for the Lakers this year.

[@tye9713]

The thing is the Lakers and the rest of the nba underestimated his def, see in the NBA for u to start u gotta be consistant on offense n match up well on def with size and stamina because of Caruso's size they expect him not to play D but the bulls did good job Caruso is going to work his ass off for that next contract

[@jingle3330]

Hey Alex, I bet you have Italian ancestors, can you check it? Maybe you could play in the Italian team in the next world cup.

[@danielcelta2333]

Caruso is that one guy every team absolutely needs

[@CJenkins_Wx]

Goat of Goats

[@yahalyulmer2912]

Great video Mike. keep it up!

[@jimmysox2260]

If Caruso wanted to he could probaly average 10-15 points but he is just so focused on making the better play which he sees a more secure chance to score points

[@jedward5155]

Damonte Williams is the Alex Caruso of Illinois basketball.

[@franzdoreza5230]

He plays as a player is coached to play..He does things correctly which makes up for his non elite athleticism..Smart players are a step ahead because they need to be.. basically he’s playing basketball the right way, and I guess it’s just a matter of will and desire not only physical talent..Yes team plays well because everyone, starter or otherwise, please hard, and more often than that plays the right way which is why they don’t seem to lose. Even when a star player is out. Every guy looks as if they really enjoy being here, some are cast-offs, or 2nd tier all-stars, 6th man and intelligent scrappy guys every team needs..They’ve got a bunch of point guards who know how to run an offense, are great playmakers/passers, pick and roll, shoot and drive..etc..With the bonus that they all play defense, some improving and others really good to elite.. and so far it’s working much better than expected..Guys like Derrick Jones jr., Ayo, Javonte, Troy, Coby, Etc..Guys step in and fight hard as a team, it’s such a pleasure to watch!!

[@redpillrevelation5978]

He plays like a 2000s nba player amazing d, drunks over d, shoots great and passes the ball like jason Williams

[@freeguy4195]

2021 stats. 8.7 Pts.3.8 Reb. 4.2 Ast. 33.9 3pt%. 2.2 Stl. Watch the full game not the highlights but the highlights he made so good that made an Impact and converted it into win. Fan base ,crowd has a big impack.

[@mackjeez]

I don't think you get it, Caruso is a floor general, he creates opportunities for other players, if points were counted as they are in the NHL Caruso's points would be off the charts just from the assists from his playmaking, not only that but he guards well making the other team miss shots or making clumsy or desperate plays. You can have a whole team of high scoring guys but it doesn't matter if you don't have guys like Caruso who would rather create plays and guard well rather than hogging the ball for more points.

[@interestingcommentbut....7378]

Caruso really is what every team needs. Does all the scrappy work and is reliable enough on Offense when you need him. Lakers were fools for giving him up he is far more valuable than Westbrook.

[@normanvaliao]

Caruso is actually leading in steals while Ball is 6th overall. Defense.... most of the time wins the game.

[@aiirizzy2862]

This is such a good video

[@MDLR]

thank you!

[@mindkorner]

I know Caruso is not the best when it comes to making points. But in his last game with knick, I saw his statistic. bulls got +21 points when he played (around 38 minutes). The highest compared to all his team mates. Lakers is crazy throwing away a great team player like him. Because in all team games, not only you need a good carry but you need a great support too...

[@Yasouuuohh]

Alex Kuroko... The phantom sixth man

[@bill942]

AC we love you in Chicago. Siracha bring us the hot sauce

[@faieziabubakar207]

So caruso is like kuroko..doing the extra things to help the team

[@OmaAlkebulan-grace]

Cant believe that he was on the Sixers G League

[@jessetrills]

TITLE IS BS HE WORKED HIS WAY TO MAKE HIMSELF KNOWN HE WAS BORN WITH TALENT

[@doomgrave1]

I'll never understand why the Lakers let Caruso go. He's easily the hardest worker in the room and hungriest player. Even more so than AD.

[@jammies701]

Missed your videos!

[@MDLR]

stay tuned!

[@JoseMorales-vq5fu]

I'm an all time Lakers fan, however it's was stupid ass f..k letting going of Caruso such a big advocate to getting daily wins

[@swkf1117]

Oh my goat 🤪

[@noobartist3762]

their loss not mine - Carushow

[@ZEkilled]

ilove Caruso

[@benrinehart7776]

I wanna see Caruso and Wemby on the same team

[@shenlonggohan]

Lakers made a grave mistake, passing on re-signing Caruso. These are the exact type of glue/hard-nosed/hustle play guys that make the difference between winning a chip and losing in the conference finals. They are always in high demand and this one offered you a discount, and they still passed. With one of the most lucrative TV deals in the league, don't tell me they couldn't afford to dip further into the luxury tax.

[@razrasmussen8052]

Caruso is a legit stud, check the tapes.

[@tennisgleem]

How can someone like Ben Simmons be on 177M.

[@Shinobi33]

The only thing he needs to improve is his scoring. Cause he can score so many ways. Just doesn't take many shots.

[@Senerian]

Why in the hell would the Lakers let him go like that? Who did they replace him with?

[@douglasharley2440]

he reminds me of a more athletic, less intense version of dennis rodman, with less rebounding.

[@thinkblue5778]

The Lakers are showing why they shouldnt have let go of him.

[@OmaAlkebulan-grace]

For the money he is very solid! Sixers would be great for him and OG!!

[@montepayne8459]

To be really honest you don’t know basketball if you thought the bulls wasn’t gonna be a top Eastern team they are loaded with WINNERS.

[@NotZay]

W plus send 3 favorite bald nba players

[@venox3811]

Love Caruso! Every team needs its Rodman!

[@ronaldkuizon5713]

his best dunk is with Lakers vs GSW

[@Shlumpledink]

Lakers FO wanted big names and new faces. They screwed up by letting Caruso go. He could have helped out a lot, but they just let him walk

[@oof3479]

He's a very valuable role player

[@Eric-nh2yb]

Caruso for president!

[@oephry3253]

Defense this good is possible because of the rule changes! Love it