Alex Caruso is a well-known name in the NBA, celebrated for his hustle, defensive skills, and contributions to championship teams. If you’re asking, Who Does Alex Caruso Play For?, the answer is the Chicago Bulls. He currently showcases his talents as a key guard for the Bulls, bringing veteran experience and defensive tenacity to the team.
Alex Caruso’s Current Team: Chicago Bulls
Since the 2021-22 NBA season, Alex Caruso has been an integral part of the Chicago Bulls. His impact extends beyond just scoring; he’s a defensive specialist and playmaker. The 2023-24 season was particularly noteworthy for Caruso in a Bulls uniform. He achieved career-highs across multiple statistical categories, demonstrating his continued growth and importance to the team.
In the 2023-24 season with the Bulls, Caruso played in a career-high 71 games, starting in 57 of them, also a career-best. He averaged 10.1 points per game (ppg), 3.8 rebounds per game (rpg), and 3.5 assists per game (apg), all representing career highs. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by career-high averages of 1.0 blocks per game (bpg) and 1.7 steals per game (spg), while playing 28.7 minutes per game (mpg). His shooting efficiency also reached new peaks, hitting .468 from the field, .408 from three-point range, and .760 from the free-throw line.
Caruso’s exceptional 2023-24 season was recognized with the NBA Hustle Award, celebrating his effort and impactful plays that don’t always show up in traditional box scores. Adding to his accolades, he earned a spot on the 2023-24 Kia NBA All-Defensive Second Team. This marked his second All-Defensive Team selection, placing him in elite franchise history. He became only the ninth Bull to receive two or more All-Defensive nods, joining legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Furthermore, he distinguished himself as only the fifth undrafted NBA player in history to achieve multiple All-Defensive honors.
Statistically, Caruso led the NBA in deflections per game (3.7) and ranked among the league leaders in total deflections (second with 265), total steals (third with 120), and steals per game (tied for third with 1.7). He stood out as the only NBA player in the 2023-24 season to record at least 100 steals and 70 blocks. He also achieved a unique combination of over 130 three-pointers made, 100+ steals, and 60+ blocks, a feat unmatched in Bulls history and rare in the NBA.
Career Highlights and Stats
Before joining the Chicago Bulls, Alex Caruso made his mark with the Los Angeles Lakers. Across his NBA career, encompassing 363 games, Caruso has career averages of 6.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 22.7 minutes per game.
Looking deeper into his career notes, the 2023-24 season was a year of milestones for Caruso. He set single-season career highs in total minutes played (2,040), total points (715), field goals made (253), three-pointers made (136), steals (120), and blocks (40). He consistently led the Bulls in steals and blocks throughout the season, demonstrating his defensive consistency. He had numerous games with multiple steals and blocks, including a career-best 17-game streak with at least one block, an impressive feat for a guard. Offensively, he also showed improvement, recording a career-high 44 games with two or more three-pointers, including a streak of nine consecutive games. His season-high scoring performance was 23 points against the Indiana Pacers on March 13, 2024, and he tallied a career-high four blocks against the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 6, 2024. He even recorded his lone double-double of the season with 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
Playoff Experience
Alex Caruso brings valuable playoff experience to the Bulls. He has participated in the playoffs with both the Lakers and the Bulls. Notably, he was part of the Los Angeles Lakers team that won the NBA championship in 2020.
In the 2022 playoffs with the Bulls, he started all four games, averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.3 minutes per game. Prior to that, during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run, Caruso played a significant role, appearing in 21 playoff games and even starting in the title-clinching game. His playoff career-high scoring game was 16 points against the Houston Rockets in 2020. His playoff debut in 2020 was also memorable, as he recorded three steals, becoming only the fourth Lakers player to achieve this in their postseason debut.
Conclusion
So, to definitively answer the question, Alex Caruso plays for the Chicago Bulls. He is more than just a player on the roster; he is a key contributor known for his defensive excellence, hustle, and all-around impact. His career trajectory, especially his standout 2023-24 season, underscores his value to the Bulls and his standing as one of the league’s premier defensive guards. As he continues his career in Chicago, Bulls fans can look forward to his continued contributions on both ends of the court.
