Key-Takeaways:
– Alex Caruso, former Chicago Bulls player, has been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
– He has commented favorably on his three-year stint with the Bulls and looks forward to his future with the Thunder.
– Despite receiving the news unexpectedly while preparing for a golf session, Caruso took it in stride, showing his sportsman spirit.
– Bulls executive VP, Arturas Karnisovas and Thunder VP, Sam Presti were the ones who broke the news to him.
– Caruso has received a large outreach of support from his teammates.
Former Chicago Bulls star, Alex Caruso, is charting his path back to where his professional career first blossomed, The Oklahoma City Thunder. After a phenomenal run with the Bulls resulting in two All-Defensive Team selections and a Hustle Player of the Year award, the 30-year-old has been traded for Josh Giddey. Yet, he’s embracing the change with a typical sportsman’s spirit.
Trade News Catches Caruso Off-Guard
The news of the trade, quite surprisingly, found Caruso poised for a golf practice. However, the athlete was quick to adjust his schedule when Bulls’ Arturas Karnisovas and Thunder’s Sam Presti relayed the news of his trade to him.
In Caruso’s words, “I was actually like five or ten minutes away from changing and going hitting golf balls at the driving range. So, I delayed my practice session for the day by a couple of hours.”
Despite trade rumors having circulated for the past few years, the actual news took Caruso by surprise. Yet, the NBA player emphasized that in professional sports, such surprises are part of the terrain and should be taken in stride.
Caruso’s Affectionate Farewell to the Bulls
Reflecting on his time with the Bulls, Caruso shared warm sentiments, specifically towards the Bulls head coach, Billy Donovan. Caruso recalled, “He’s a great coach. We had some really good conversations.”
Reminiscing about the full circle his journey has taken, Caruso recalled how Donovan once told him he could be an NBA player if he worked on his shot and body. From being the first player cut, he ended up making two All-Defensive teams under Donovan’s coaching.
Caruso affirmed that his relationships with his teammates and the people of Chicago wouldn’t be lost despite his move to the Thunder. His former teammates have been at the forefront of the support he’s received.
New Beginnings with The Thunder
As Caruso gears up for his time with the Thunder, he remains realistic about his place in the team’s defensive strategy. With Thunder players such as Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren commanding attention, he won’t always be the top defensive option. But this won’t deter the determined player from giving his best on the field.
Speaking about his fit with the Thunder, Caruso said, “I think the things that I do well complement the team. Team-first guy. I just want to win.”
Thunder’s general manager, Sam Presti, expressed similar enthusiastic sentiments about Caruso’s inclusion in the team. Presti described Caruso as an ideal Thunder player and confidently stated how his experience and playing style would uplift the team’s performance.
As the Oklahoma City Thunder embrace the addition of Alex Caruso to their ranks, the fans are undoubtedly thrilled to see this accomplished player back in action. As Caruso steps into this new stage of his career, NBA enthusiasts the world over will undoubtedly be watching what unfolds next with keen interest.