Oklahoma City’s acquisition of Alex Caruso in a trade stands out as one of the top moves of the NBA offseason. The Thunder have brought on board a top-tier defender who excels at shooting 3-pointers, boasts championship experience, and fits seamlessly into their playing style.
Caruso’s rise to this level of recognition is quite remarkable. After going undrafted from Texas A&M, he initially signed a training camp contract with the Thunder but spent most of that season with the Oklahoma City Blue in the G-League under current Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. The following year, Caruso earned a two-way contract with the Lakers, where he developed his game and paved the way for his current career.
So, what sparked this transformation? Caruso attributes his success to the confidence instilled in him by LeBron James. Speaking to Texasags.com (part of Texas Ags radio) while attending a golf tournament to launch his charitable foundation, Caruso reflected on James’ influence.
“LeBron James’ support gave me a lot of confidence. For someone of his caliber—one of the greatest players of all time—to believe in me meant a lot. It helped me trust in my abilities and realize that what I could do on the court could make a difference in NBA games. My goal was always to be in those crucial moments at the end of games and have a chance to win.”
Now, Caruso joins a Thunder team that many experts predict will be the top contender in the Western Conference. The Thunder, last season’s top team in the West, have strengthened their roster with the addition of Caruso and center Isaiah Hartenstein. Caruso addressed these high expectations.
“The Thunder’s performance last year speaks volumes. Being the top team in the West is challenging given the talent and competition in the conference. With the new additions and some key resignings, including Isaiah Hartenstein and myself, we bring valuable skills that will help the team succeed. On paper, we seem well-equipped to achieve our goals.”
Despite the Thunder being a strong contender on paper, the Western Conference remains highly competitive with teams like Dallas, Minnesota, Denver, and the Lakers also in the mix. Nevertheless, the Thunder are well-positioned to vie for a championship, and Caruso will play a crucial role in their potential playoff run.
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