Alex Caruso’s competitive mentality is making a notable impact on the young Oklahoma City Thunder as they strive for their first-ever championship title. Over the course of his impressive 22-season career, LeBron James has played alongside many prominent athletes, including Dwayne Wade and Kyrie Irving. Yet, in a recent discussion about the Thunder, he referred to a different teammate:
“They have one of my favorite teammates of all time in Alex Caruso, who is the ultimate Swiss Army knife,” James stated in his podcast, “Mind the Game.”
This postseason, Caruso has shown his capacity to guard elite players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, achieving a remarkable plus-minus rating despite not always scoring high. His defensive skills and adaptability have been crucial to the Thunder’s success.
After being undrafted in 2016, Caruso fought hard to earn a place in the NBA, helping the Lakers win a championship in 2020 and later becoming an essential asset for the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder recognized his championship experience and brought him aboard to mentor their youthful squad, currently averaging 24.148 years of age.
During the playoffs, the 31-year-old has consistently delivered standout performances, particularly against the Denver Nuggets in a critical Game 7. His ability to perform despite size disadvantages has made him an invaluable player, allowing the Thunder to excel defensively.
Following a near-miss in Game 1 of the finals, Caruso rose to the occasion in Game 2, becoming the second-highest scorer for his team, demonstrating that he can thrive even under pressure.
Moreover, younger teammates like Chet Holmgren have confidently acknowledged Caruso’s impact, cementing his status as a pivotal member of the Thunder’s championship aspirations. In an era where many initially doubted his skills, Caruso has turned past disrespect into relentless motivation, earning recognition as a vital part of the Thunder’s historic campaign.