3 ways Alex Caruso can help the OKC Thunder reach their championship potential

Alex Caruso adds more defense

Adding more defense to a championship-contending team is always a positive move, as seen with recent NBA Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and the Boston Celtics. 

Caruso ranked fourth in the league in steals last season and was one of the Bulls’ cornerstones on their perimeter defense, which was crucial on their roster since they do not have much paint resistance. 

Caruso averaged 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game last season, while keeping his foul count at the minimum with just 2.5 per game. 

The six-foot-five Caruso boasts active lateral movements and a speedy six-foot-six wingspan to disrupt opposing players, including those who are taller than him.

According to ESPN, he was second in defensive half-court matchups against the 2024 NBA All-Stars, only trailing the Thunder’s defensive specialist, Lu Dort. 

Having Caruso solidified the Thunder’s defense, which was constantly attacked through Giddey, who was subpar on that end, last season. The Thunder can now afford to switch everything on defense out on the perimeter with SGA, Jalen Williams, Dort, Cason Wallace, and Aaron Wiggins. 

Defense has been Caruso's calling card from his days in the Blue to his championship year with the Lakers. He will certainly fortify the Thunder’s play on the less glamorous side of the ball and improve their versatility defensively.