Slow start to Alex Caruso's Thunder tenure is concerning, but brighter days are ahead

When Alex Caruso was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the start of the offseason, many considered it to be one of the final pieces that would turn this ball club into a true contender. 

The veteran has always been known as one of the league's top 3-and-D players, shooting 37.6 percent from deep and averaging a steal per game throughout his career all while nabbing two All-Defensive nods along the way.

Unfortunately, despite these accolades and impressive stats, the beginning of the 2024-2025 season has been less than impressive, especially with the guard playing through a shooting slump during his first nine games.

Known for his fantastic shooting, Caruso has only made five total 3-pointers this season, while shooting an ugly 20.8 percent from deep. 

Of course, it isn't just his long ball that hasn't been falling, but, seemingly, every shot, as the veteran is shooting 28 percent from the field. In fact, Caruso has more steals (17) than shots made (12) this season.

This would be a concerning stat to look at if there weren't some external factors that make up for this slow start. 

Brighter days are ahead for new Thunder guard, Alex Caruso

The defensive play by Alex Caruso has been the most impactful for this young Thunder squad, as many times his play on this end of the floor has played a role in their exceptional start to the year.

It may not always show up in the final box score or stat sheet, but his hustle stats are what makes him one of the league's best defenders. Caruso is first in defensive box plus-minus at 5.3, tenth in steals per game, and has one of the best defensive ratings at 90.2. 

Now, if he could make his shots, maybe the Thunder would have a chance at breaking the all-time win-loss record, held by the Golden State Warriors with a 73-9 record in the 2015-2016 season. 

Recent games and clips have shown the guard is willing to put in the work when it comes to his offensive game. In the team shootaround, before OKC blew out the Rockets this past Friday, Caruso was seen putting up shots from the corner. 

These behind-the-scenes efforts seemed to translate directly onto the hardwood for in-game action, as he would have his best offensive performance against Houston, knocking down two of his three long-range attempts while shooting 60.0 percent from the field to finish with 10 points, a season-high.

November has also been a much better shooting stretch compared to October, as Caruso shot a lowly 13.3 percent from the field through the first month of play. Through five games played in month two, though still nowhere near expectations, he's more than doubled his efficiency with a 35.7 percent clip.

The shot is coming along, and with shooting coach Chip Engelland, it will only get better. Thunder fans will just have to be patient and put faith in the fact his shot will eventually catch up with his elite defensive play.