Everyone knows how important Alex Caruso has proven himself to be for the OKC Thunder since coming aboard in 2024.
From his elite defensive prowess to his ability to rise to the occasion under the high-pressure environment of the playoffs, the veteran has rightfully been established as the ultimate addition to this dynasty-pushing core.
However, despite having this kind of pedigree, it's still imperative for Caruso to continue to find ways to level up his game. Considering the amount of competition he has around him at the two-three hybrid position, coupled with his advanced age compared to the rest of the group, if he's not working on bettering himself from the year prior, he's falling behind.
Because of this, it seems there's one particular skill of his that he should clearly be aiming to sharpen heading into the 2026-27 campaign. Fortunately, it's something he's already proven capable of thriving at.
Alex Caruso must find his long-range shot again to best benefit Thunder
Throughout his 10-year career in the association, Caruso has produced as one of the best 3&D role players in the league.
With his averages of a 109 defensive rating and a long-range shooting clip of 36.5 percent along the way, the numbers only strengthen this lofty claim.
However, while his production this past season certainly highlighted the defensive side of this play-style, it left much to be desired on the three-point shooting side.
Through 56 games played, Caruso shot 3.2 attempts per game at an incredibly underwhelming success rate of just 29.3 percent, the worst of his career.
Now, granted, the veteran has never been known as a lights-out sharpshooter, but there have been a number of occasions where he's converted at north of a 40.0 percent mark for an entire season.
Caruso must have a regression back to the mean in this department in order to have the most impact on this Thunder squad.
Especially with the departures of Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins this summer, two of the club's most trusted perimeter scorers over the past several years, there are a ton of shots available for the taking. Caruso, along with guys like Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain, will be tasked with taking on the lion's share of these now-vacated attempts.
Receiving more opportunities only makes converting on them all the more necessary and, when accomplished, beneficial for the Thunder.
He has the tools and the track record. Now it's time to tap back into it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google