Alex Caruso says he knows he's one of the best defenders in the NBA, whether that gets recognized or not

[{"selector":"#anim-f762a93e-1340-4dec-91b4-36e3286af8cc","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f119b2f2-d45b-4464-a68d-3ae1f4f4c0a9","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-118.125%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6425950c-56ae-4f80-898c-8751a52c3399","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c6c259bd-3f9d-450c-9822-ed7af1c6992a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-116.25%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Last year, Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso added to his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA by being named to the All-Defensive First Team.

[{"selector":"#anim-9744da81-811d-4d38-992b-29d1551f41cd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b2c33c08-2b96-47c5-b6fe-82cf587f911d","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7c0ae9b5-28b9-47f8-aae1-5dd20a66c88c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-55.46874988622572%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Despite the fact that he is in the running for a repeat performance this season, he is not losing any sleep over the prospect.

[{"selector":"#anim-be51af59-262d-48b2-9203-25be632f778f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-abfe098b-968d-43ff-9b47-7dd14532a3eb","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0aa30699-f1b0-4b1a-933e-ac9c9ca2c689 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(44.79166655289238%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Caruso told NBC Sports Chicago recently that he was confident in his skills and that while being recognised is nice, it doesn't make him who he is as a player.

[{"selector":"#anim-bc9f7b53-7961-46de-9fe6-c14576193145","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-45c4219c-2bf9-4d47-92e8-e85394936087","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b05a9956-3f29-4eb8-8518-7b19c9d157a6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Caruso has already built a reputation for being a tenacious defender long before he was awarded the distinction that he received the previous year.

[{"selector":"#anim-75844fbe-58e6-43aa-a383-7a7bae1a5b70","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b49fbdf7-7812-4a21-a09c-b24f14c5d58d","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3c43ec64-8879-492b-8d3f-1dfe517dd23a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

Caruso's defensive determination has been commended by coaches and players from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Chicago Bulls. Not until last season did the former Texas A&M star win a trophy.

[{"selector":"#anim-3d38cfb0-2915-45de-8c91-e910df5b871d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a53e1d9f-7984-4840-b712-c956f76d3c49","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-f9954223-b73b-406c-af6a-994b5ab2d1ac [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

During the current season, Caruso acknowledged the significance of achieving the same level of success. In addition to this, he admitted that it was not his primary concern.

[{"selector":"#anim-a5f6cd1c-b5ff-449c-8a02-e4f2874e4294 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7538fc38-b034-4c0e-beb1-8d8f01c6b433","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-32f6382c-3281-4489-910d-295aa501ffe4","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

" I place a high value on it. However, at the end of the day, I am aware that I am one of the finest defenders in the league, regardless of whether or not this accomplishment is acknowledged," Caruso emphasised.

[{"selector":"#anim-2c82d7c4-6494-49a5-9352-dd2d57e30a3b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dc9f8b26-f847-4f90-989f-079438649a4f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-15176383-e4c3-4c4f-a217-d2632aa2ae15","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Obviously, it would be a cool thing to do. Furthermore, I was fairly pleased of myself for making the first team the previous year.

[{"selector":"#anim-819822e0-6d3f-4959-8376-533b40ccf5f9 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.295955768857525%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6eb9952d-1611-4b16-9608-00a2c291169c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b86aaf61-9539-4c91-93aa-d899eaa098b8","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Having the respect of my opponents and the guys I compete against every night saying they enjoy playing against me because it's a challenge and competitive is just as significant as a first- or second-team All-Defense title.

[{"selector":"#anim-69e81e76-5a2a-4824-aba2-b7701fc93b1f [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4ec11aea-6ede-4028-baf6-7faec6f8bf8e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5c9161ab-52f1-498b-adbe-c14d0c9fc587","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Players and fans have criticised the NBA's 65-game awards eligibility standard. Some say it's unfair to deny an award to a player who didn't play enough games, but others say it eliminates unworthy candidates.

[{"selector":"#anim-a9480de7-1bf0-4058-b799-bbc8a358e241 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-61897861-8192-4998-aa3a-1d4377a29b70","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0bb5e51a-0bf5-4225-b1ef-e97bd1994395","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Players and fans have criticised the NBA's 65-game awards eligibility standard. Some say it's unfair to deny an award to a player who didn't play enough games, but others say it eliminates unworthy candidates.

[{"selector":"#anim-dda38267-9cae-4418-a11b-7b539a3bb060 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-5573915a-d09d-4a80-9f0f-fd4c2b645811","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c88b9bcc-9a36-43e7-9387-44de04a454b0","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

"I think most of the time, guys won't be able to play because they're hurt." What's worse is that guys who make All-NBA teams or try to win MVPs have some kind of reputation that goes along with it.

[{"selector":"#anim-5d9b3d8f-558c-4d2c-8965-543bf97afe7a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a504db3e-1e44-4e3e-b5b4-deba78199f88","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-62efe865-ee1c-4d97-9233-e81353150c97","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

It will be enough for me to make a couple All-Defense teams over the course of my career. I don't see myself being in the running for All-NBA or MVP.

[{"selector":"#anim-4f10bc05-7971-4668-9442-582a8e06abd3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-11.057692071391893%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e925b9fe-10a6-4273-837e-a960b7db8fc0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b6f95ffe-f26a-4c88-9a26-d4ccbf4dd1aa","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

also see

[{"selector":"#anim-6267377d-6413-4fc2-a982-6d26db0a1ae0","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(114.51104%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .8, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e8127213-63df-4a1d-9c3f-1153f553d8d3","keyframes":{"transform":["rotateZ(180deg)","rotateZ(0deg)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.2, 0, .5, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-9c90a72a-c071-4e20-92ee-0d34490a4a68","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-aa5099f9-657e-4b20-9948-052ed00cb766","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-bd0358fc-dc54-4019-b421-0be7db77b5a8","keyframes":[{"offset":0,"transform":"translate3d(0, -517.73505%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.29,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.45,"transform":"translate3d(0, -145.58709606%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.61,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.71,"transform":"translate3d(0, -49.495470780000005%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.8,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.85,"transform":"translate3d(0, -18.586688295000002%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":0.92,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"},{"offset":0.96,"transform":"translate3d(0, -8.07666678%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(.5, 0, 1, 1)"},{"offset":1,"transform":"translate3d(0, 0%, 0)","easing":"cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1)"}],"delay":0,"duration":600,"fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-af642dc8-5827-4447-832e-8d8e91c73b4a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Swipe up

Alex Caruso says he knows he's one of the best defenders in the NBA, whether that gets recognized or not

_______________________

Last year, Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso added to his status as one of the best defenders in the NBA by being named to the All-Defensive First Team.

Despite the fact that he is in the running for a repeat performance this season, he is not losing any sleep over the prospect.

Caruso told NBC Sports Chicago recently that he was confident in his skills and that while being recognised is nice, it doesn't make him who he is as a player.

Caruso has already built a reputation for being a tenacious defender long before he was awarded the distinction that he received the previous year.

Caruso's defensive determination has been commended by coaches and players from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Chicago Bulls. Not until last season did the former Texas A&M star win a trophy.

During the current season, Caruso acknowledged the significance of achieving the same level of success. In addition to this, he admitted that it was not his primary concern.

" I place a high value on it. However, at the end of the day, I am aware that I am one of the finest defenders in the league, regardless of whether or not this accomplishment is acknowledged," Caruso emphasised.

Obviously, it would be a cool thing to do. Furthermore, I was fairly pleased of myself for making the first team the previous year.

Having the respect of my opponents and the guys I compete against every night saying they enjoy playing against me because it's a challenge and competitive is just as significant as a first- or second-team All-Defense title.

Players and fans have criticised the NBA's 65-game awards eligibility standard. Some say it's unfair to deny an award to a player who didn't play enough games, but others say it eliminates unworthy candidates.

Players and fans have criticised the NBA's 65-game awards eligibility standard. Some say it's unfair to deny an award to a player who didn't play enough games, but others say it eliminates unworthy candidates.

"I think most of the time, guys won't be able to play because they're hurt." What's worse is that guys who make All-NBA teams or try to win MVPs have some kind of reputation that goes along with it.

It will be enough for me to make a couple All-Defense teams over the course of my career. I don't see myself being in the running for All-NBA or MVP.

also see

also see

Donte DiVincenzo Hits Historic Knicks Landmark From Deep