Alex Caruso says it would be cool to be on the All-Defense team

Alex Caruso says getting an award would be great, but it isn't a priority for him.

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso is renowned for being one of the best defenders in the league today. Even though he doesn’t have any hardware to show for it, Caruso’s standing among his peers in the NBA as a player who makes winning plays, especially on the defensive end, is without question. Caruso recently opened up about his chances of snagging a spot on the All-Defense teams, saying it would be “cool” if he could earn it.

Universally respected

The former Texas A&M star knows what he can do on the floor. He’s also aware of the respect he has from his fellow players. The 29-year-old says that’s more than enough for him at the moment.

“I don’t know if it matters, just because in my head I know I’m one of the best defenders in the league, I’m guarding the best players night in, night out,” Caruso said when asked about the prospect of earning an All-Defense nod.

Caruso often gets the task of pestering the opposing team’s best perimeter player. And more often than not—with his long arms, natural defensive instincts, and subtle athleticism—he gets the job done.

“I feel like I have, for the majority, the respect from the guys I play against, and they know that, whether they want to admit it or not, it’s a tough assignment and I’m going to make them work every time they play against me,” Alex added.

The goal is to win games

Caruso added that having a prestigious award like a spot on the All-Defense team or even the Defensive Player of the Year award would be a nice thing to add to his resume. However, he insists that those things have to be earned while in the process of winning games.

“If I get the award, that’s cool, that’s always fun to put up in your house and to claim that,” Caruso said. “But for me, it’s always just been about the process of trying to win games. And that’s how I effect the game the best. And that’s just what’s easy for me to stamp on the game.”