Why Alex Caruso is key to Thunder championship

The Oklahoma City Thunder had two glaring issues when it came to last season: Defense and Rebounding. While Isaiah Hartenstein offers both of those qualities, Alex Caruso may be the piece to help the Thunder get over the hump.

Bleacher Report's Dan Favale recently put out every NBA team's best new weapon for 2024-25 season , and he named Alex Caruso as that very weapon.

The OKC Thunder are coming off of last season as being a top four defense in the league. Adding Caruso to this squad, who already have elite defensive guards like Lu Dort, Casen Wallace, and SGA, will be an absolute nightmare for any offense.

Pair that with the paint presence of Chet Holmgren, who was second in total blocks and block percentage last season and Hartenstein, who was top 20 in total blocks, and the Thunder might rank as the number one defense in the league this coming season.

Not only will Caruso provide the defensive attributes, but he will help tremendously on the offensive side of the ball as well. Shooting an astounding 41 percent from three last season, he will provide great spacing for this drive-and-kick Thunder offense, opening up more scoring opportunities for SGA, J-Dub, and the rest of the Thunder squad.

All in all, Caruso will provide great experience for this young Thunder team and will help the Thunder develop into a powerhouse for seasons to come.

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