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0 The Oklahoma City Thunder are making moves to secure their future, reportedly agreeing to a four-year, $81 million extension that will keep one of their key players in OKC through the 2028-29 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. While this headline has grabbed attention, it’s another player, Alex Caruso, whose defensive prowess deserves recognition this season.
Caruso is averaging a career-high 1.9 steals per game, ranking sixth in the league, alongside 0.6 blocks, 2.4 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest. While his shooting efficiency has taken a hit this year—he’s posting career lows in three-point percentage (27%) and field goal percentage (38.5%)—his impact on the court extends far beyond scoring.
Known for his hustle and defensive tenacity, Caruso’s career stats reflect his well-rounded contributions. In 382 career games, he’s averaged 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.32 steals in just 22.6 minutes per game. His defensive accolades speak volumes: a two-time All-Defensive Team member (2022-23 First Team and 2023-24 Second Team) and a crucial piece of the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dwight Howard.
Despite his shooting struggles this season, Caruso remains one of the league’s most impactful defenders. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, force turnovers, and make key plays in crunch time continues to make him an invaluable asset for the Chicago Bulls.
As the Thunder secure their future with lucrative deals, players like Alex Caruso remind us that defense and intangibles can be just as valuable as offensive firepower. His contributions may not always show up on the highlight reels, but they’re instrumental in building a winning culture—something every franchise aspires to achieve.
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