Chicago Bulls fans are extremely excited to see what the newly signed former Los Angeles Lakers defensive standout point guard Alex Caruso can do for the bench this season. The Bulls have put together a potent roster under second-year head coach Billy Donovan heading into the season that is ready to contend for the postseason. And Caruso should be a big part of this upgraded rotation that can push Donovan and the Bulls to the postseason during the 2021-22 campaign.
Caruso looked good for the Bulls during the four-game preseason slate that saw this team go undefeated. And it wasn’t only the defensive production that stood out in regard to Caruso during the preseason. He showed that ability to effectively space the floor at time. And Caruso distributed the ball very well off the bench.
During the preseason, Caruso mostly played the role of a second unit point guard for the Bulls. He might be challenged for minutes off the bench upon the return of third-year point guard Coby White. But both Caruso and White hold separate, but still very important roles, coming off the bench this season for Donovan and the Bulls.
It sounds like Caruso has plenty of confidence heading into the regular season too. He mentioned this week, ahead of the regular season opener, that his “game is evolving”. And it sounds like he has a lot of confidence specifically in where his game is headed on both ends of the floor.
Chicago Bulls have a solid piece coming off the bench in Alex Caruso
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Caruso highlighted the fact that he feels like he brings a good amount of defensive value to the table, and that his offensive skill set is continuing to make strides five seasons into his NBA career. This is good to hear that Caruso is confident in his game heading into the regular season.
The Bulls’ front office clearly buys into what he brings to the table for the Bulls this season.
Moreover, Caruso was solid for the Bulls throughout most of this unscathed run during the preseason. He averaged around nine points per game, four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and 0.5 blocks. And Caruso shot exactly 50/40/90 during the preseason. You can’t argue with those types of numbers from a newly signed guard coming off the bench.
Caruso is sure to play a big role in any heightened level of success that the Bulls find in the Eastern Conference standings during the regular season. He brings a multitude of skills to the table that the Bulls needed this season, including great help-defense (along with good on-ball defense), more floor spacing, and another solid distributor of the ball coming off the bench.
Coming off a solid double-digit win over the Memphis Grizzlies at home at the United Center back on Oct. 15, the Bulls are heading into the regular season coming off a 4-0 run in the preseason. The regular season opener is set for Oct. 20 on the road against the Detroit Pistons.