The Chicago Bulls are capturing on the court all the potential that their renewed has roster. After adding a great victory this Sunday over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Illinois men have settled in the upper zone of the Eastern Conference in the wake of the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets.
Despite leading his team’s victory with 35 points, to which he added seven rebounds and five assists, DeRozan was quick to praise one of his teammates: Alex Caruso. “He’s one of the smartest players I’ve played with since I’ve been in the league,” said the guard, as reported by journalist Mark Medina. “The simple fact of having someone on the court with that natural IQ makes things a lot easier for you, on offense and on defense.”
Despite only scoring seven points on a two-shot card on eleven attempts, Caruso was the Bulls’ component with the best record in plus / minus, with +16. Its greatest value is residing in its defensive intensity. In fact, leads the NBA in deflections per game (4.4) and it is third in robberies (2,3). Its performance is being such that his name is listed in the five best quintets of the Bulls (with at least ten minutes played) in Net Rating.
DeRozan isn’t the only one who has praised Caruso recently. This Saturday, Steve Kerr, coach of the Golden State Warriors, called him “a great player” and shared his satisfaction at moving to the Eastern Conference.
DeRozan or Zach LaVine’s flashier and more offensive game is more appealing to most fans, but Caruso has also emerged as a very valuable and important piece in the Bulls’ good course.
(Cover photo by Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
