For the Chicago Bulls this season, not many things have gone as planned. They have a poor record of 3-6 overall, their three best players have negative point differentials, and they have struggled to produce a steady flow of offensive plays. However, Alex Caruso stands out as a bright spot despite their difficult start to the season.

Off the bench, the Bulls guard has been terrific, especially when it comes to defense. Having Caruso focused in on defense has given Chicago, a squad that has struggled offensively, something to hang onto. And he even shown offensive play in their most recent defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

Following the Bulls’ one-point overtime loss to the Suns, Kevin Durant of Phoenix showed Caruso some love. (Source: NBA.com’s Sam Smith)

Durant described himself as “a hard worker who is going to do all he can for his teammates.” “He makes up a lot of mistakes with that stuff right there. He was able to get his hands on the ball and make three-pointers tonight. When he can produce off the dribble and make three-pointers like he did tonight, it elevates him to a new level. He is a terrific player. He’s a guy you can slot into any lineup and makes the appropriate reads and plays both on defense and offensively; the Bulls are fortunate to have him. I don’t even want to label him a role player.

Even if collectively the Bulls may not be where they want to be, Caruso has made a point of leaving his mark.