Alex Caruso is one of the most elite defenders in the NBA and has elevated the OKC Thunder with his electric displays, especially in these playoffs.
He was traded to the OKC Thunder as part of the deal that saw the franchise give up their former first-round pick Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls.
A year later, both teams have benefited from the trade, as Alex Caruso has been able to lead the locker room in the young Thunder side, while Giddey is a key player on a Bulls team that is rebuilding.
Many have given their verdict on the trade including Patrick Beverley, who picked the Bulls as the winner.
However, a former teammate of both the players has shared his view on the trade.
Prior to his move to the Sacramento Kings, Zach LaVine spent eight years as part of the Bulls team.
He was a teammate of Caruso for three years and then shared the locker room with Giddey for half a season.
The 30-year-old shared his thoughts on Caruso and how the deal was incredible for the Thunder.
He said: “I’m going for my guys all the time, AC [Alex Caruso] I want him to be able to hoist another championship. I’ll see him later this summer.
“I mean, what a trade, the upgrade that they had when Chicago traded him to OKC, man, it was incredible.”
While Giddey was also able to make a noticeable impact with the Bulls this season, Caruso has helped make the Thunder one of the best defensive units in the NBA.
“Playing with him for three years, he’s one of the smartest dudes. He’s gonna be a great coach when he’s done,” said LaVine when talking about what it was like to be teammates with Caruso.
Magic Johnson recently shouted out Caruso when congratulating the Thunder for their Conference Finals victory.
After his stint with the LA Lakers, Caruso moved to the Bulls and although he was not able to do much in the postseason there, the 31-year-old continues showing his defensive brilliance.
He then managed to secure a move to the Thunder, where he is one of the leaders and anchors their defense.
LaVine, who was on the same team with Caruso for three years, shared what the player was like in team meetings.
“When he was with us in Chicago, he would help lead some of our meetings,” LaVine said, “And you know him coming from LA, having that championship pedigree, it’ll elevate our defense immediately, helping guys out.
“Alex is a great athlete, but he’ll tell you first, he’s like, ‘I’m not an elite athlete.’ He’s just all heart and IQ man.
Being a good defender takes a lot of effort and part of that is also watching film, which Caruso regularly does according to LaVine.
“He studies film a lot. I’ve seen him break down dudes’ game. I remember how he guarded me. I always tell him, I gave him 38 one day. But it was a hard 38.
“AC is one of the best defenders in the NBA. I think he should have been all first defense. Many, many times,” LaVine added.
