Watching their favorite NBA team take on the Chicago Bulls this season, nearly every fan must have thought, "We could really use someone like Alex Caruso." Well, except for Lakers fans, who probably muttered curses at GM Rob Pelinka for letting Caruso slip away.
Alex Caruso's on-court efforts didn't go unnoticed, earning him the prestigious 2023-24 NBA Hustle Award. This coveted title is bestowed upon players who excel in the less glamorous, yet crucial aspects of the game. Caruso's knack for making game-changing plays that don't always show up in the box score—like deflections, recovering loose balls, drawing charges, setting solid screens, contesting shots, and boxing out—set him apart.
Leading the league with an average of 3.7 deflections per game, Caruso proved to be a disruptive force on defense. He also ranked fourth in steals (1.7 per game), showing his prowess in creating turnovers. Not only that, but he was also among the top players in recovering loose balls (1 per game) and drawing charges, finishing ninth in the league.
The race for the Hustle Award was tight, with the Raptors' Scottie Barnes coming in second, followed by Warriors' rookie Brandin Podziemski in third. The Thunder's Luguentz Dort and the Hornets' Grant Williams rounded out the top five, showcasing the rising talent in the league.
Joining the ranks of past winners like Marcus Smart (three-time winner), Patrick Beverley, and Montrezl Harrell, Caruso's win solidifies his status as a player who impacts the game in ways that statistics alone can't capture. His hustle and determination embody the spirit of the award, inspiring players and fans alike.
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