The most rabid Oklahoma City Thunder fans know Alex Caruso will become an important component of their team’s title chase this season. Caruso’s value as a two-way contributor already has analysts excited over the prospect of him becoming a runaway favorite for Sixth Man of the Year.
Fans already have certain expectations of what they’ll be getting out of the Texas A&M standout since he’s been playing as an all-around utility player who can plug and play into any rotation Mark Daigneault may require for him.
However, fans who want to understand what they’ll be getting out of their new sixth man will be delighted to hear that an analyst made a clear and detailed expectation of how the Thunder coaching staff will likely utilize a man of Caruso’s varied talents.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have plenty of uses for Alex Caruso
Athlon Sports’ Adel Ahmad detailed how Daigneault and the rest of the OKC coaching staff will likely utilize Caruso.
He noted that since Caruso didn’t get a massive contact, not a lot of eyes will be zeroed in on the Texas native. However, he’ll be expected to add value through his long-range shooting:
He splashed home nearly 41% on 5.9 attempts per 36 minutes, in addition to his 40.6% on catch-and-shoot opportunities and 45.5% on pull-up 3’s. The guard’s profile as an elite distance shooter and experience in big games is the package that excites Thunders fans the most – and why many envision he’ll rattle off an immediate impact on the team.
On the defensive end, he’s expected to team up with Lou Dort and create a dynamic defensive backcourt that matches up to the efficiency Jrue Holiday and Derrick White have for the Boston Celtics:
Dort shouldered heavy responsibilities last postseason against the Dallas Mavericks, often switching between the powerful movement of Luka Doncic and the pliant maneuvering of Kyrie Irving. But with Caruso slotted by him next season, the Thunder now have an assortment of lineups they can try without sacrificing shooting or defense.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be in for a great season if Caruso perfectly fits in with the team. Fans will be hopeful that he will be the missing piece they need to finally make the Finals for the first time in over two decades.
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