Billy Donovan admits Alex Caruso can’t take on the defensive load by himself

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is already wary of playing Alex Caruso extended minutes for fear of losing him to an injury. However, with the Bulls all out of reliable forwards, Donovan faces having Caruso play not only more minutes but also against bigger, heftier, and taller power forwards.

Matched up against Zion

On Sunday, Caruso faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans’ explosive big man Zion Williamson. The Duke product stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 284 pounds, giving him a massive height and size advantage over Caruso. Despite that, Caruso held his own and limited Williamson’s production down the stretch in Chicago’s 114-106 win.

Donovan explained he couldn’t put a conventional big man on Zion or his fellow forward Brandon Ingram, as the two are too quick and elusive for slower players. Instead, he used Caruso’s strength, toughness, and defensive tenacity to slow down the Pelicans’ dynamic duo.

“Zion is unique. One of the challenges when you go a little bit bigger is those [power forwards] could be challenging matchups because they’re playing off the dribble or playing in transition or can really iso and put the ball on the floor and get around you,” Donovan remarked.

Check out this three possession sequence from Alex Caruso. One of the most impressive things you'll see in an NBA game tonight. The Bulls have started using him as the primary defender on Zion Williamson and he's battling. Caruso has quietly crept back inside the top 10 in dEPM. pic.twitter.com/MPGHs1a2ri
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) February 26, 2024

Schedule doesn’t let up

Chicago’s schedule isn’t letting up, as after Chicago faces Detroit on Monday, they’ll battle Cleveland, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Utah, and Golden State next. This means Caruso will most likely be matched up against the likes of Evan Mobley, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lauri Markkanen, and Steph Curry. That said, Donovan knows he can’t put all these on Caruso’s plate.

“Alex can’t just always do it by himself,” Donovan said.

“It is challenging because we’re going to have to do it with five people. You’re going to have to provide really good support and help, and I think when a guy gets into a difficult situation, you’ve got to be able to bring a double-team to relieve and make sure you’re not being overwhelmed athletically and sizewise.”

Alex Caruso opens the game as the Bulls' initial defender on Zion Williams. The Pelicans are gigantic tonight compared to this Bulls lineup.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) February 26, 2024

Matched up against Zion

Schedule doesn’t let up

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