Alex Caruso can get lost in the sauce a bit with OKC's roster. The Thunder roster like five of the NBA's best defenders and are particularly stacked in the backcourt, which means Caruso is not always relied upon for seismic contributions.
- Chris Kline
FanSided Staff Writer
Still, even in a modest role, Caruso constantly reminds us that he's one of the very best role players in the NBA — a true star in his own, well-defined niche. The defense is beyond reproach. His quick hands in passing lanes are just the tip of the iceberg. Caruso is heads-up off the ball and equally stingy on-ball, comfortable fighting over screens and sticking to ball-handlers like glue, Very few perimeter players can impact the game so consistently on the defensive end.
Caruso's offense tends to fall by the wayside when discussing his strengths, especially with so much else to write home about in OKC, but he's a dependable shooter with strong connective instincts. He bombs spot-up 3s, aggressively attacks closeouts, and has a sharp eye for facilitating in the flow of the offense. He does the small things to grease the wheels for his stars and lacks the glaring weaknesses a team can exploit in the playoffs. He is forever underrated.