Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 3-word take on Alex Caruso after day 1 of training camp

Though Alex Caruso may be one of the newest members of this OKC Thunder team, throughout the seven years prior to his late-June arrival, many of his, now, teammates have become quite familiar with his style of play.

One of the game's truly elite 3-and-D contributors, the addition of the 30-year-old to this title-hungry squad is one that's been lauded and regularly celebrated among fans and pundits alike, as it adds a sense of two-way stability and familiarity with what it takes to make a deep playoff run that Oklahoma City sorely lacked in 2023-24.

Tuesday, the Thunder got to see his intangibles and work ethic up close and personal for the first time while serving as a member of the organization, as the club took part in their opening day of training camp.

Following their October 1 session, team cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was asked by media members how it felt playing against the likes of Caruso in a practice setting rather than in-game.

In response, the superstar guard acknowledged that even though the circumstances may be a bit different than what he's grown accustomed to throughout their respective careers, ultimately, the feeling of going up against Caruso is still the same, as he described the experience in a hilarious, three-word summation: "Annoying as hell."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander oddly praises new Thunder guard, Alex Caruso

Gilgeous-Alexander would continue on to describe exactly what intangibles make a guy like Caruso, in his words, so "pesky," highlighting his willingness and ability to play full-court defense and, on the offensive end, being capable of making the "smart" play every time.

The new Thunder guard comes to Loud City with quite an extensive and enviable player resume.

As alluded to earlier, since entering the league back in 2017 he has established himself as a tremendous two-way commodity.

The past two years, in particular, have been arguably his best as a pro, as he has gone on to drop impressive per-game averages of 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and just shy of a block on 46.3 percent shooting from the floor and 39.5 percent shooting from distance throughout this span while earning consecutive All-Defensive team selections along the way.

Of course, these accolades are only complimentary additions to his NBA Championship that he won back in 2019-20 while serving as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Considering his high level of experience and specific skill set, a player like Alex Caruso is an individual who has proven capable of positively contributing to any number of teams across the league.

Now with the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander noted when talking to the media that they are "lucky to have him." Fortunately for them, Caruso believes his addition to the OKC rotation is a "perfect marriage."

It appears this partnership has already managed to get off on the right foot.