Alex Caruso is named to the NBA’s All-Defensive 1st team — the Chicago Bulls guard’s 1st career selection

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso received a top distinction for his disruptive play this season, earning a place on the NBA’s All-Defensive first team Tuesday.

Caruso spearheaded the Bulls defense as both a starter and a reserve, averaging 1.5 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.4 deflections per game. His defensive impact was anchored in its efficiency: Caruso led the league in steals per 100 possessions (3.0) and deflections per 36 minutes (5.2), and he finished 14th in total steals (98) while averaging fewer minutes than every player ahead of him. He was one of only five players to tally at least 95 steals and 45 blocks.

Caruso was joined on the first team by Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., runner-up Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday and Evan Mobley. He’s the first Bulls player to receive a first-team selection in the NBA’s end-of-season awards since 2014, when Joakim Noah earned first-team All-NBA and All-Defensive honors.

Despite carving out a strong standing in the NBA centered on his defense, Caruso never had earned an All-Defensive selection before this season. After five seasons plagued by injuries and inconsistent playing time, Caruso entered 2022-23 determined to play more games. He dedicated his offseason to strengthening his core and building flexibility with the goal of improving his durability without sacrificing his physical style of play.

The payoff was immediate: Caruso logged a career-high 67 games while averaging 23.5 minutes, his highest volume of playing time since entering the league in 2017. His improved consistency was critical for the Bulls, who finished fifth in defensive rating (111.5) to buoy a stagnant offensive season. The Bulls led the league in defense from Jan. 1 to the conclusion of the regular season.

The All-Defensive teams are selected by a panel of 100 writers and broadcasters. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center for each team.

All-Defensive teams

First team

• Alex Caruso, G, Bulls

• Jrue Holiday, G, Bucks

• Jaren Jackson Jr., F, Grizzlies

• Brook Lopez, C, Bucks

• Evan Mobley, F, Cavaliers

Second team

• Bam Adebayo, C, Heat

• O.G. Anunoby, F, Raptors

• Dillon Brooks, G, Grizzlies

• Draymond Green, F, Warriors

• Derrick White, G, Celtics