Guard Alex Caruso, acquired from Chicago in an offseason trade, has been a non-factor offensively for the Thunder through eight games. He’s averaging just 2.6 points and 2.5 assists while shooting 23.7% from the field. He’s also averaging just 4.8 shot attempts in 19.9 minutes.
Caruso, a defensive ace, isn’t worried about his limited contributions on offense.
“I just try to do whatever the team needs to win,” Caruso told The Oklahoman’s Joel Lorenzi. “The last couple years in Chicago, we had guys out. I was on the ball a little more as a lead guard, but here we got Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), we got Dub (Jalen Williams). Even Cason (Wallace)’s on the ball a little more. We got a lot of options. So for me, it’s just about figuring out how I help us win games. Right now, it’s not taking 10 shots a night.”
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks underwent surgery on his right leg on Wednesday, Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake City Tribune tweets. He suffered a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle in the second half of Utah’s game at Dallas on Oct. 28. Hendricks’ injury occurred on a non-contact play as he was running into the offensive lane. Utah has not released a timetable for his return.
- The Jazz recorded their first win of the season on Monday, thanks to Keyonte George‘s career night. The second-year guard had 33 points, nine assists and two turnovers in 39 minutes, Larsen notes. With Lauri Markkanen (back spasms) and Hendricks out, John Collins played exclusively at power forward and looked much more comfortable, making 12-of-17 shots for 28 points while grabbing 13 rebounds. Collins failed to mesh well with Markkanen and Walker Kessler last season because he wasn’t as involved in screens and thus couldn’t take advantage of mismatches, Larsen adds.
- Russell Westbrook has averaged 25 points, six rebounds and six assists in two Nuggets victories this week. Yet coach Michael Malone has high praise for another aspect of Westbrook’s game, according to Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. “I think defensively he’s been a rock star,” Malone said. “And what I love about Russell Westbrook: 17-year vet, leopards don’t change their spots, but he is trying so hard to be disciplined. He’s trying to do the things we’re asking him to do, and I appreciate that so much. Because a lot of times at 17 years in, you are who you are. But he cares, man. He is so invested in this team and what he’s bringing to this team, and he’s so hard on himself. I can coach a guy like Russell Westbrook any day.” Westbrook signed a two-year, minimum-salary contract with Denver during the summer — the deal includes a second-year player option.
Very kind words regarding Russell Westbrook. I sure hope this story gets around. He’s received so much Flack over the years for being selfish and other such things.
So for Malone to mention this stuff above, and the reporter to relay it in a piece is fantastic. Kudos to all three of these men.
I like this new, older version of Westbrook. Last season with the Clippers as well.
It’s hard for former superstars to accept a new role when their time at the top is over. Some can’t accept that and their time in the league is over quickly. Westbrook accepted and embraced his new role. I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but he got over his ego.
I also made some fun about Westbrook in the past. But kudos to him.
Westbrook is such an incredible player, a leader, talented and experienced. This is a player you want to have in your team for sure no matter what some of his critics say…
I think Alex Caruso will make his greatest impact in the playoffs. Defense wins championships, so can you imagine Dort and Caruso on the floor defending the wings and up top? Lockdown city.
I do appreciate how Westbrook always gives it his all. Not many players like that left.
I still think Westbrook could reinvent himself but needs help with a shooting coach and a old PG to help become a great lead guard. Concentration, better passing and dribbling
Win a ring as a starting PG and he’s all set
John Collins should only be playing PF.
I like what they are building in Utah but need a young alpha. The Jazz could use the number 1 more than anyone. They have only had one number 1 overall pick but traded it
We’re so bad that Utah beat us on Monday lmao
Top 10 pick here we come!!!
Watch the idiot FO draft VJ Edgecomb instead of Flagg or Bailey.
I hear decent things about Edgecomb. What don’t you like about him? Just curious bc I have not seen him play yet.
Nothing wrong with the kid himself, but the last thing the Bulls need is another undersized scoring guard. At 6’4″ and a 6’6″ wingspan, he’s defensively neutral rather than any level of exceptional. Can score and create, but the Bulls have that in the backcourt right now. And he’s not the caliber of player the top two are. Traore and Knueppel are both better than him as well, with guys like Noa Essengue and Dylan Harper also looking like better picks in a vacuum.