Alex Caruso says the Chicago Bulls must take a "by committee" approach to dealing with their injury woes

How will the Bulls deal with their injury troubles?

© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls’ ace guard, Alex Caruso is a great defensive player capable of disrupting stellar perimeter players and powerful low-post guys. However, as terrific as the All-NBA Defensive First Team member is, he can’t be everywhere at once. 

This means with all the injuries to numerous rotation players, the Bulls must take a "by committee" approach to keep their hope for a postseason berth alive.

Open to playing the four-spot

One of Caruso’s best virtues is his willingness to put his body on the line and do whatever it takes to contribute to his team’s success. With the Bulls missing key players like Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Torrey Craig, Alex has been playing out of position at the power forward spot. The former Los Angeles Lakers guard is a natural 2 or 3, but he doesn’t mind stepping up for his teammates when needed.

“We’ve been playing the big lineup with Drum (Andre Drummond) and Vooch (Nikola Vucevic), which I think we’ve had some success with. I can (play) makeshift four for majority of games. But it’s going to take more guys, maybe more schemes to get the ball out of some guys' hands when they catch it low close to the basket,” Caruso shared.

Current NBA players with 65 steals & 55 blocks:

Alex Caruso
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Scottie Barnes

That's the list. pic.twitter.com/nKmsBXYUdY

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2024

Used to this already

Caruso added that with all the injuries the Bulls have gone through this season, asking one another to fill the gaps will not be tough. In fact, their experience doing this in the past has prepared them for any situation that may arise.

“If there’s any silver lining, we’ve seen this before because we’ve been shorthanded at that position. We at least have a little to go off of. But it’s going to have to be by committee. We’re going to have to do a better job covering up for each other. Maybe throw some more wrinkles into the game plan of coverages and giving different looks, a little more gimmicky stuff to buy us minutes here and there,” Caruso continued.

Caruso also mentioned that the recent developments will offer the Bulls’ young fellows, namely Dalen Terry and rookie Julian Phillips, the opportunity to play and contribute.

“It’s also time for the young guys to step into their own and be who they are. They’ve shown to us they can play and have shown to us they’re good players. It’s time for them to believe.”

Gonna have my eye on Dalen Terry/Julian Phillips these next handful of games.

Without Pat and Craig out there, Bulls will desperately need length and defensive versatility. One of those two has to step up and help fill that void, especially against these next few opponents.

— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) February 23, 2024

Bulls came close to trading Alex Caruso during trade deadline