As September arrives, the NBA enters a quieter phase, with teams enjoying a brief respite before the season kicks off. The Oklahoma City Thunder, however, are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting 2026-27 season, entering as co-title favorites alongside the San Antonio Spurs. Despite some offseason departures, key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren are expected to keep the Thunder in contention for the championship.
In light of the offseason's relative calm, Thunder Wire is engaging fans through a series of mailbags, addressing pressing questions as the team prepares for the upcoming season. One significant inquiry revolves around Alex Caruso's role in the regular season, especially following the departures of several key players.
Caruso joined the Thunder in a one-for-one trade with the Chicago Bulls in June 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the team's strategy to solidify its status as a title contender. His impact was immediate, helping the Thunder secure the 2025 NBA championship in his inaugural season. Caruso's contributions have been particularly pronounced during playoff runs, where he has emerged as one of the team's most vital players, despite modest regular-season statistics.
Throughout his time with the Thunder, Caruso has averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in the regular season, with shooting percentages of 43.3% from the field and 32.2% from three-point range. However, his playoff performance tells a different story, as he has stepped up his game to average 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting 46.2% from the field and an impressive 42.7% from beyond the arc.
Caruso's reputation as a playoff performer is well-earned, and he is widely regarded as one of the best role players of the last decade. His accolades include being a two-time NBA champion and a two-time All-Defensive Team member during his tenure with the Bulls. His ability to elevate his game during crucial moments has made him an invaluable asset to the Thunder.
However, with the recent losses of Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, the Thunder may need to reconsider how they utilize Caruso during the regular season. The absence of Dort, known for his defensive prowess, places additional pressure on Caruso to step up as a primary perimeter defender alongside Cason Wallace. This shift could necessitate a more prominent role for Caruso in the regular season, contrasting with the previous strategy of conserving his energy for the playoffs.
Despite the potential for increased regular-season minutes, it may be wise for the Thunder to maintain their cautious approach with Caruso. His history of playoff success suggests that prioritizing his health and performance for the postseason could be beneficial, even if it results in a few regular-season losses. At 32 years old, Caruso's longevity as a high-impact player is a concern, and managing his workload will be crucial to ensure he is at peak performance when it matters most.
Ultimately, the Thunder's aspirations are centered around winning NBA championships. Each season that falls short of this goal will be scrutinized, particularly with a star like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge. While the pressure to perform is high, the Thunder must balance their immediate needs with the long-term health of their veteran players. Ensuring Caruso is healthy and effective in the playoffs could be the key to a successful campaign, even if it means navigating some challenges during the regular season.
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