Alex Caruso’s Second All-Defensive Team Selection Highlights Positional Bias in NBA Voting
The Chicago Bulls may have missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, but they received a beacon of positive news with Alex Caruso’s selection to the NBA’s All-Defense Second Team. Caruso, who has developed into one of the league’s premier defensive players, was quick to offer a witty remark on his achievement. The Bulls guard noted the overwhelming presence of big men on the First Team, highlighting an apparent positional bias in the voting process.
“So all the guards…got it,” Caruso remarked with a string of emojis, pointing out that the First Team was heavily dominated by big men. Indeed, out of the five players on the All-Defense First Team, only one, New Orleans Pelicans wing Herbert Jones, was not a big man. The rest of the First Team was comprised of Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs, and Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat.
The Second Team, featuring Caruso, had a more diverse mix of positions. Joining Caruso were Jaden McDaniels of the Timberwolves, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White from the Boston Celtics, and Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic. This season, the voting process shifted to a positionless format, yet the results still leaned heavily towards big men, especially on the First Team.
One reason for this trend could be the traditional view of centers as the anchors of a team’s defense. Historically, big men have been pivotal in protecting the rim and controlling the paint, making them indispensable to any formidable defensive unit. However, Caruso’s career trajectory and performance have demonstrated that guards can also serve as defensive linchpins. His tenacity and intelligence on the defensive end have made him the Bulls’ most reliable defender, capable of disrupting opponents’ plays and setting the tone for his team.
Caruso’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Undrafted out of college, he began his professional career on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, spending much of his early tenure in the G League. His relentless work ethic and defensive prowess eventually earned him a standard NBA contract, and he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run. Despite his contributions, the Lakers opted not to re-sign him after the 2020-21 season, allowing him to join the Bulls as a free agent.
Since his arrival in Chicago, Caruso has continued to elevate his game. This season, he appeared in 71 games, including 57 starts, averaging a career-high 10.1 points per game, along with 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. His shooting efficiency also saw a significant uptick, with a field goal percentage of 46.8%, a three-point percentage of 40.8%, and a free throw percentage of 76%.
In addition to his All-Defense Second Team selection, Caruso was awarded the NBA’s Hustle Award, a testament to his relentless effort and impact on the court. His defensive stats and accolades underscore his importance to the Bulls and his value as one of the league’s top defenders, regardless of position.
Caruso’s recognition also comes amidst a period of transition for the Bulls’ coaching staff, who are undoubtedly hoping to build on his defensive foundation for better fortunes next season. As the Bulls aim to return to playoff contention, Caruso’s role as a defensive leader will be crucial.
In an era where the game increasingly values versatility and perimeter defense, Caruso’s achievements challenge the traditional emphasis on big men in defensive roles. His selection to the All-Defense Second Team not only honors his individual accomplishments but also highlights the evolving dynamics of defensive basketball in the NBA.
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