Bulls: 3 reasons Alex Caruso should start if Lonzo isn’t ready for opener

1. Alex Caruso is an on-court coach

Of all the members of the Chicago Bulls 2022-23 roster, few are as mature and experienced decision makers like Caruso. If we discount Tristan Thompson’s short 23-game tenure with the team, there’s a reason why Caruso is the lone player in Chicago’s locker room with a championship ring.

Sure, playing alongside LeBron James has its perks, but let’s not pretend that Caruso wasn’t a vital part of the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. In fact, Caruso had the second-highest on-court impact for the Lakers during the regular season, behind only LeBron himself. When Caruso was on the court, the Lakers’ offense became 1.7 points better and their defense held opposing teams to -5.3 fewer points, making for an impressive 7-point swing per 100 possessions.

He’s brought this same effectiveness to the Bulls, where he’s become nearly as valuable as a coach as he has as a player.

Already a student of the game, it’s apparent that working under LeBron James rubbed off on Caruso as his ability to read opposing schemes and make in-game adjustments is second to none on this Bulls roster. Having an encyclopedia of basketball knowledge like Caruso has become an invaluable asset in large part due to the fact he helps the team play well even when he’s on the bench.

Caruso’s a true leader that’s had to work for everything he’s earned in the NBA. Rather than being born with a mountain of natural skill, Caruso has had to become a borderline basketball genius and put in the work to get to where he is now.

Unlike any of the other reserve guards on the Bulls roster, Caruso is in his prime and has the experience and attitude necessary to command the respect of his teammates in the locker room. For that reason, he’s a logical fit to serve as the starting point guard until Lonzo returns to the fold.