Have you ever wondered what goes through Alex Caruso’s mind while he plays?
At the NBA level, playing excellent defence requires a lot of work. Being able to consistently stay ahead of the world’s top players requires a unique combination of abilities and mindset. The defensive ace for the Chicago Bulls, Alex Caruso, is one of those unique talents who seems to have an instinctive grasp of what it takes to succeed on defence.
On Wednesday night, as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and the Phoenix Suns bounded into town, his abilities were put to the ultimate test. But Alex proved to be a worthy opponent, holding his own against KD. Following the game, Caruso gave an insight into his strategy for stopping elite scorers such as the former NBA MVP.
Make them feel uncomfortable
Caruso concedes that NBA players can still score 30 points against him, even on his best day as a defensive player. Thus, the most he can accomplish is to create discomfort for players such as KD, LeBron, and Steph Curry when they are playing.
Caruso responded, “Just climbing into their air space,” when questioned about how he approaches guarding some of the biggest names in the NBA.
“Many of these guys are really good players in the league; you just let them play and find their own rhythm; it becomes like a summer drill and workout, and they just get up and shoot,” Caruso said.
“Thus, in my opinion, try to push them from various directions. Simply try to get them to stop looking the same way they do every night. The guy is seven feet tall and has unlimited shooting range, so it goes without saying that I need assistance. However, putting in early hours and making it as challenging as you can”
Like Tony Allen
The best way to characterise Caruso’s defensive style, according to Bulls wingman DeMar DeRozan, is “Tony Allen-like.” Allen is a former guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who was selected to the league’s All-Defensive team six times.
“With a guy like Alex, there’s so much more to it—awareness, anticipation, hand speed, grasp of angles, ability to shoot gaps, and overall game knowledge. You simply aren’t aware of so many things. Tony Allen was the last person I can think of who was that ubiquitous. Guys aren’t usually like that. When it comes to the ball’s defensive end, that’s what sets him apart,” according to DeRozan.