This season, there hasn’t been much in the Chicago Bulls’ universe to be enthusiastic about. They are merely 3-6 on the year due to the struggles of their starting lineup. Although they haven’t been able to muster much success collectively, one narrative about Alex Caruso has been circulating across the NBA.

Caruso has been one of the NBA’s finest bench players even in the middle of the starting unit’s difficulties. With a team-high +18 for the season, his defensive prowess has him considered for more than just the All-Defensive First Team selection he received the previous year. There are others who discuss him as a quiet contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Caruso recently spoke with ESPN’s Jamal Collier on his play and his reflections on his path to the NBA.

“Many people probably didn’t think I would play in the NBA, be on a winning team, or be on the first team all-defense,” Caruso said in an interview with ESPN. And a lot of people probably don’t think I’m deserving of the Defensive Player of the Year award. I never rule anything out because I’m always surprising myself with how far I can go. I’m not sure if I will go out and make that my only priority. My success will follow when I focus on completing my job and assisting the team in winning. But it’s never completely ruled out.

Even though the Bulls aren’t going to make the playoffs, Caruso is undoubtedly becoming a star in his own right.