On January 21st, the Chicago Bulls were visiting the Milwaukee Bucks. At the time, Bulls fans felt like they were on top of the world who sat at the top of the conference standings, but then Grayson Allen happened.
Allen made a play that put Bulls fans in anguish whether it was the play itself or just the result of it. It was then that Alex Caruso was ruled out for six-eight weeks with a fractured wrist. Now, for a guy who comes off the bench on a top team in the East, you would not think much of it. However, it was evident how valuable he is to this Chicago squad.
Without AC
In the 38 games without Alex Caruso this season, the Bulls do not look like the same team, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.
The Bulls allowed a franchise-record 100+ points in 22 games straight. That streak started when Caruso got injured against Milwaukee and ended last night against the Cavs in his first game back.
Now, there are different metrics you can look at, but the Bull’s defensive rating plummeted without him in the lineup at a miserable 116.6. That number would be the worst in the entire NBA.
This puts more pressure on the offense as it is more difficult to push the ball when you are not getting stops.
Without AC, the Bulls record was a mediocre 21-17.
With AC
While Alex Caruso was a decent coach on the bench, his impact on the floor is much more valuable.
This unit is much stronger defensively as noted by the much improved 107.9 defensive rating. This number would be good enough for 5th in the NBA.
So that is 25 spots they jump because of what he adds defensively.
Among players that have participated in as many games as Caruso, only Dejounte Murray averages more SPG. Caruso is also only averaging less than 28 MPG, so when Caruso is in, he is disrupting plays.
In turn, the Bulls can run the break frequently.
That is the brand of basketball that Chicago wants to play.
How Caruso Will Continue to Add Value
One of the most underrated aspects of a player is their mental toughness. Sure, you see the best players in the game get a technical here or there, but who is going to recollect the group and keep them composed when things are not going their way.
Basketball is a game of runs, and the more players you have that can stay level-headed, the better.
To silence a 6-0 Cavs run, Caruso slowed it down, got the Bulls into their offense, and hit a big jumper to shift the momentum (1:57 mark of the video).
This skill is an undervalued piece of a team with championship aspirations. The ability to stay composed when times are tough cannot be dismissed.
Overall, Caruso is only one of two players on this roster that have won a championship. He understands the nuances of how to stay mentally tough, which will pay dividends for this team down the stretch.
AC is back Bulls fans!
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