In a disappointing start to the season, Alex Caruso is the Bulls' shining star

Caruso has slowly become a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate despite the Bulls' struggles.

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The Bulls currently sit in the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference, holding a 4-7 record. The Bulls weren't expected to be top of the East, but they certainly weren't expecting to be so low in the conference. With all the Zach Lavine trade rumors flying around as well, the Bulls do have one player to look forward to - Alex Caruso.

Difference Maker

Last season, the Bulls finished 5th in defensive efficiency, while their offense finished 23rd, which is also where the offense finds itself this year. Last season though, with Caruso on the court, opponents averaged 6 points less per 100 possessions than without him.

Caruso made First-Team All-Defense last season despite only playing 67 games and only starting in 36 of them. He ranked in the top 5 for steals per 36 and led the NBA in deflections per 36 while ranking top 5 in field goal percentage allowed.

Before injuring his toe this season, Alex had already had a few standout performances in the clutch. Against the Raptors in the second game of the season, Caruso stole the ball from Pascal Siakim and hit the game-winning three down the court just a few seconds later.

More recently, in the Bulls' 116-115 loss to the Suns, Caruso had one of his biggest performances of the season. Not only did he put up 19 points, but as the primary defender on Kevin Durant, Caruso held him to 1/7 shooting, forcing 2 turnovers and a block and forcing overtime on a last-second shot by Durant.

Just a Team Guy

Alex has been a fan-favorite throughout the league, dating back to his time with the Lakers. However, Caruso isn't just a fan favorite but a locker room favorite as well.

"He helps the entire team, lifts the energy and he pretty much quarterbacks the defense when he's out there," Zach LaVine told ESPN.

"He definitely is one of those great, vocalist, communicators and competitors when it comes to that end of the ball," Demar Derozan told ESPN. "He's a guy that without a doubt can win [DPOY] for sure."

Caruso has missed the past two games for the Bulls with a left toe sprain, and the Bulls have gone 1-1 in those games. The Bulls missed his defensive presence against the Bucks and will look to get him back in action ahead of tonight's game with the Orlando Magic. 

Los Angeles Lakers rumored to make a run at Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso