CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 22: Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls reacts to a three point shot ... [+] during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesIn life, you get paid based on production, right?
Not necessarily. As any person who has spent any time in the workforce will tell you, there are always individuals that make more than they worked for, and there are always some poor folks who make less.
Unfortunately, Alex Caruso falls into the latter category. At an annual rate of just over 9 million dollars, a casual observer would look at his contract and presume that he was a below-average to middle-of-the-road contributor.
However, dig deeper, and you will see that Caruso’s value far exceeds the dollar amount listed on his bi-weekly checks.
According to Cleaning the Glass, the Chicago Bulls Efficiency Differential per 100 possessions is nearly ten points better with Caruso on the floor – an improvement that ranks in the 93rd percentile.
This on/off impact bears resemblance to the newly-inducted Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili, who posted similar Efficiency Differentials in almost every season from 2004-12 (per Cleaning the Glass).
But more than their on/off impact (and Italian heritage), the two guards share the same wild style. You see, both Caruso and Ginobili play basketball with the same degree of reckless abandon. They never hesitate in their decision-making, take calculated risks that only they seem to see, and are fully prepared to sacrifice their bodies on any given possession.
Today, Caruso alters the entire landscape of the court with his presence on defense. He’s a fierce on-ball defender, regularly matching up against the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
But because of the impressive shot-making that is commonplace in today’s NBA, there is a limit to how much value you can provide as a man defender. Even if your technique is perfect, there is a solid chance the offensive player buries a jumper right in your face.
To avoid that possibility altogether, Caruso has become a master of defensive playmaking. Steals, blocks, deflections, charges, all these things are ways to circumvent the process of man defense. An offensive player can’t score if they never get to take a shot in the first place.
Caruso Defensive Playmaking Stats
Mat IssaThanks to his monster defensive playmaking totals, he’s a darling of defensive one-number metrics, ranking in the top-seven in nearly all of the widely cited catch-all statistics that are available to the general public.
He’s not just a stat padder, either. As we alluded to in the opening, the Bulls’ defense improves when Caruso graces the hardwood. When he’s on the floor, Chicago’s defensive rating is 109.9. That mark is the exact same defensive rating of the number-one ranked defense in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies (per Cleaning the Glass).
And mind you, Ginobili wasn’t a one-dimensional player. During his prime, the San Antonio Spurs were typically a better defensive team with him on the floor. The same can be said of Caruso and the Bulls' offense.
With Caruso, Chicago’s offense is +3.2 points better per 100 possessions (72nd percentile, per Cleaning the Glass). And while he’s not a gaudy volume scorer, he’s an underrated passer (scoring a 7.2 out of 10 in Ben Taylor’s Passer Rating metric) and a capable spot-up three-point shooter (39.6% on threes this year). The perfect player to amplify Chicago’s three-headed offensive machine in DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic.
Despite his Hall of Fame selection, Ginobili was still underappreciated for much of his career. His on-court performance points to that of a bonafide star, and yet, he only had two All-Star appearances to show for it.
Let’s not make the same mistake with Caruso and recognize his splendor while we can (he better be on your All-Defensive team ballot!). But even if we don’t, he’ll keep chugging along just the same, as one of the most uniquely impactful per-minute players in the entire NBA.
Mat Issa, Contributor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/matissa/2023/01/24/alex-caruso-a-modern-day-manu-ginobili/
By: Mat Issa, Contributor
Title: Alex Caruso: A Modern Day Manu Ginobili
Sourced From: www.forbes.com/sites/matissa/2023/01/24/alex-caruso-a-modern-day-manu-ginobili/
Published Date: 01-25-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the record in terms of career playoff wins for the NBA?
With LeBron James leading the way, racking up an impressive 174 wins in NBA Playoffs history and 266 games played, it's no wonder he is one of the most sought-after basketball players today.
Who is the greatest player in basketball history?
This is a stupid question as there are so many exceptional players. Everybody has their opinions. Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant (LeBron James), Kareem Abde-Jabbar and Magic Johnson are some of the leading contenders to this title. Each of these basketball icons has made a huge impact on the game and have earned their place as legends in basketball history. Furthermore, these players have each had unique styles of play that have been admired by millions worldwide. Therefore, it is impossible to definitively answer this question as everyone has their own opinion on who the best player of all time is. It is clear that the six most outstanding players on any list of greatest players must be included.
But, the majority of people agree that Michael Jordan truly is the greatest basketball player of all-time. He was born on February 17th 1963 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Jordan began his professional basketball journey with the Chicago Bulls back in 1984. He quickly rose to fame and became a successful player. Jordan was a six-time NBA Champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five times NBA regular season MVP. He was also a 10 time NBA scoring leader, 10-time NBA team MVP, nine-time NBA all defensive first team, and three-time NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a double Olympic gold medal winner. He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2009. Jordan is known for his remarkable ability to make plays, score anywhere on the floor, and be a leader both on and off the court. Because of his unwavering ambition and drive, Jordan will always be an inspiration for millions.
Jordan's legacy is sure to last forever. He is the undisputed best basketball player of all-time. Jordan is the only player who can match his level of accomplishment. He will be remembered as one the greatest sports figures of all time. There isn't much more that can be said about Michael Jordan except that he truly is the greatest of all time. His amazing career and accomplishments will not be forgotten. He was, is, and always will be "The GOAT." The one and only Michael Jordan!
What is a Trade Exemption in NBA Basketball?
In the NBA, there is a trade exception that allows players to be traded away. This exception allows teams and players to be acquired whose salaries are greater than the ones they trade away. The exception is available to a team over multiple seasons. It does not count against their salary cap, luxury tax threshold, or other restrictions. Trade exceptions can be used by teams to modify their rosters, without having to cut salaries or alter their roster composition. This allows teams to maintain a level playing field and prevent unfair financial advantage situations.
It also keeps the league financially stable, and ensures teams have the ability to make moves without worrying if they can afford them. Trade exceptions are an essential part of roster construction in the NBA and can be used to help teams compete for championships.
Which NBA player has blocked the most shots in a single season?
Mark Eaton held the all-time block records of 456 and blocks per match (5.56) during 1984-1985. Eaton's total that year is the highest single-season number ever recorded in NBA history.
Hakeem Olajuwon holds the NBA record for most consecutive blocks with 3,830. Olajuwon's 18-year NBA career saw him average 21.8 points, 11.1 rebound, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks per match.
How long can a waiver-bound player remain?
If a NBA basketball player is let go during the season by their club, they are considered waived. Waived players may be claimed by another side within 48 hours. If more than one team claims the player in that time frame, priority goes to the team with the worst record.
Statistics
- Meanwhile, the opening night rosters include a record-setting 234 players with some G League experience, according to the NBA ( Twitter link ). (hoopsrumors.com)
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- As of 2014, 45 percent of its viewers were black, while 40 percent were white, making it the only top North American sport that does not have a white majority audience.[102]As of 2017Democrats than Republicans.[103]Outside (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
bleacherreport.com
sports.yahoo.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Follow Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
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How To
Are NBA players paid when injured?
NBA players with guaranteed contracts get their money in full, even if they are unable or injured to play. Some even have made millions playing basketball without ever having to play a single game. They may lose out on bonuses, though, and their contract may not be renewed after it expires. However, players on non-guaranteed agreements will not be paid until they can play again in the NBA. The NBA can provide some assistance with disability payments or a lump sum settlement for those who qualify, but there is no guarantee of pay during an injury absence. Additional assistance may be offered by the league or teams on a case-by–case basis.
The Injury Disability Plan can be used to help teams. It ultimately depends on the individual and their team's circumstances. In some cases, players may be allowed to bargain with their teams for some compensation during an injury absence. Although there are no guarantees regarding payment, players should understand that the league and their team can assist them. Every situation is unique, so each case should be considered individually. The NBA has comprehensive rules about injuries and payments for injury absences. Understanding these rules can help players reach agreements with their teams or make informed financial decisions about their financial security. If you have any questions, it is important to speak with a professional.
