Often, NBA teams look for a big man to anchor their defense. For a long time, it was held that this was the best way to stop teams from scoring.
To be sure, having a rim protector in the middle is an easy way to stop opposing teams from putting the ball in the basket. Yet, in recent years, teams have had success with other models.
Look at the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic is no elite rim protector. Yet, Denver has built an excellent defense anyway. The Nuggets put a cast of elite defenders around Jokic to lessen his burden and capitalize on his playmaking.
It’s a copycat league. Teams with similar players will look to create similar advantages. Take the Sacramento Kings. With Domantas Sabonis in the middle, they need as many good defensive players as they can find.
Could they acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Trey Lyles, F Kessler Edwards, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
Is this the new model of the NBA big man? We wouldn’t go that far. Jokic is special – there won’t be another Big Honey. Still, some similar players are making noise around the NBA.
Look at Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets. He’s not much of a rim protector, but he’s got a unique set of offensive gifts.
So far, in 2023-24, the Rockets have managed to build a stout defense around him anyway. With a platoon of quality perimeter defenders and good schemes, they’re able to cover for his weaknesses.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
On the other hand, big men like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren do provide that rim protection. In the end, there will always be a diverse range of talent across the league.
Should the Bulls part with their talented defender?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
The Bulls may be thinking about adding their own talented big man – in the upcoming draft. At this moment, Alexandre Sarr is a candidate to be selected first. He’s in the Wembanyama/Holmgren mold.
On the other hand, the Bulls would be happy with Ron Holland as well. There’s a broader point here: the Bulls should be turning to the future.
This team is mediocre, and by all accounts, they realize it. Apparently, they’re open to moving Zach LaVine. If that’s true, they should be happy to move Caruso as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
In all likelihood, his market value is a first-round pick. That’s the only component of this trade that the Bulls are interested in.
Should the Kings give up that asset?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
By contrast, the Kings shouldn’t be thinking about the draft. This team had the best offense in the NBA last year. They should be in win-now mode, and this deal reflects that.
Some will suggest that they ought to be targeting a different player. Sure, this team has a lot of backcourt depth. De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, and Davion Mitchell all need minutes.
That’s fine. Caruso is arguably better than any of them besides Fox. Anyway, it’s a moot point – Caruso is multi-positional. He can soak up minutes at the 3.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Ultimately, the Kings need good defenders, and Caruso is perhaps the best defensive guard in the NBA. If he can’t cover for Sabonis, who can?
