One of the most impactful moves of the NBA offseason was the Oklahoma City Thunder’s acquisition of Alex Caruso. The Thunder added a defensive specialist who can hit three-pointers, bring championship experience, and seamlessly fit into their dynamic style of play. Caruso’s journey from an undrafted player out of Texas A&M to become a key figure on a contending team is nothing short of remarkable.
Caruso’s path to NBA success was far from conventional. After going undrafted, he signed a training camp contract with the Thunder, but he spent most of his rookie season playing for the Oklahoma City Blue, the Thunder’s G-League affiliate, under the guidance of current Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. The following year, Caruso earned a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, where his game began to flourish. He capitalized on that opportunity, ultimately carving out the successful career he enjoys today.
So, what made the difference? How did Caruso transform from an undrafted player to a pivotal piece on a championship-contending roster? According to Caruso, it was LeBron James’ unwavering support that gave him the confidence to develop into the player he is today. In a recent interview with TexasAgs.com, Caruso reflected on the influence LeBron had on him during their time together with the Lakers.
“LeBron James’ love gave me confidence,” Caruso shared. “Coming from someone of that stature, someone who is that smart and skilled and the face of the NBA, and arguably the greatest of all time, that means a lot. It gave me the confidence in myself to believe that what I was doing was right. It helped me believe that what I was good at could contribute and be a deciding factor in NBA games. All I ever wanted was to be out there at the end of the game and have a chance to win.”
Now, Caruso is set to play a critical role on an Oklahoma City team that many analysts view as the team to beat in the Western Conference. The Thunder, who secured the No. 1 seed in the West last season, have bolstered their roster with the additions of Caruso and center Isaiah Hartenstein. As expectations rise, Caruso acknowledges the challenge ahead but is confident in the Thunder’s potential.
“I think that the Thunder’s success last year speaks for itself,” Alex Caruso said. “Being first in the West is a tall task because of the buzzsaw and how much talent is in the Western Conference. It is weird now because we added some pieces in the offseason and re-signed some of the young guys. Isaiah Hartenstein and I are phenomenal basketball players who can fit really well within the team. Looking at it on paper, we do a lot of stuff that those guys need that will help us be successful.”
The Western Conference remains highly competitive, with teams like Dallas, Minnesota, Denver, and, of course, LeBron’s Lakers posing significant threats. However, with Caruso’s defensive prowess and leadership, the Thunder are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
As Oklahoma City gears up for another title chase, Alex Caruso is expected to be a key contributor, helping to anchor the team’s defense and bring a winning mentality to the court. His journey from G-League hopeful to a vital piece on a title-contending team is a testament to his hard work and the confidence instilled in him by one of the game’s greatest players.
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