Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso is the type of a player who’s more than willing to do the dirty work while staying out of the spotlight. The former Texas A&M star hustles hard every game, and more often than not, his impact is not even reflected on the stat sheet. In fact, his numbers don’t amaze most casual NBA fans.

But Caruso has earned one of the highest honors a defensive player can get in the league: he was named to the All-Defense First Team this season, and he says it’s a “hell of an accomplishment.”

Worked his way up

Caruso began his career with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, playing in a crowded backcourt that featured Lonzo Ball and Jordan Clarkson. He played in just 37 games that season, averaging a little over 15 minutes per game. At times, it appeared as if he wasn’t going to make it. But Caruso persevered, and eventually, he earned more minutes on the court. He worked hard to improve his game, paying special attention to his defensive skillset, which has become the hallmark of his career.

“I was on a two-way in LA. I was like, ‘this guy went from that to making First Team All-Defense.’ I was like, that’s a hell of an accomplishment,” shared Caruso in his talk with JJ Redick on The Old Man and The Tree.

The road does not stop here

After finally getting recognition for his work on the other side of the ball—an honor he believes he could have gotten last season had he not missed so many games due to numerous injuries—Caruso says he’s still got a long way to go in his career.

“Continuing to try and get better and continue just to, you know, be true to myself and compete and play hard,” said Caruso of his mindset this offseason.

Caruso guarded LeBron two games ago and starts off the game today with a block on Ja Morant

One of the most versatile defenders in the league.

Would be a crime if he's not First Team All-Defense. pic.twitter.com/23WkbaxmUE

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) April 2, 2023