Alex Caruso received consideration for Defensive Player of the Year award

Alex Caruso has been recognized for his defensive play this season.

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls ball hawk Alex Caruso always had the reputation of being one of the best defensive aces in the league. And now, he finally gained some recognition for it as he received two third-place votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award this season. The award went to Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., but the fact that the former Texas A&M star got any votes at all is a testament to how far he has come in the league.

Shoo-in for a spot on the All-Defense team

While the Defensive Player of the Year was a two-man race between Jackson and the Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez, Caruso has a solid shot at earning a spot on one of the All-Defense teams. He was the tip of the spear of Chicago's elite defense and was one of the league leaders in deflections, taking charges, and steals.

Impact goes beyond the stats

His numbers may not stand out—5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game—but Caruso's impact on games goes beyond the stat sheet. His ability to shut down or harass star players shows that he is more than capable of taking on key assignments and holding his own against elite opponents.

Although he hardly ever shoots the ball—with just 4.3 attempts per game, which is the lowest mark since his rookie season—Caruso is also more than capable of making shots when given the opportunity. However, the veteran guard's bread and butter will always be his defensive prowess, as he's proven to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.