puis dans la liste qui s’affiche, cliquez sur AdBlock
Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif
While he’s a valuable member of the Thunder today, Alex Caruso was once an NBA champion alongside LeBron James. Now back in the Finals, the veteran revealed what he took away from his time with the King.
Even though Oklahoma City is currently trailing the Pacers 2-1, there’s a reason Mark Daigneault’s team is considered the favorite to win these NBA Finals. Beyond the team’s superb 68-14 regular season record, it’s the seemingly perfect roster construction that impresses league observers night after night.
Because the Thunder isn’t just about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was voted regular season MVP a few days ago. Behind the Canadiens are excellent players like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Luguentz Dort. And that’s not to mention the team’s role players like Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso.
Alex Caruson honest about LeBron James and his Influence
The latter also made a lot of noise during the second round of the playoffs by taking care of Nikola Jokic on defense, despite being short of 15 centimeters and 45 kilos compared to him. A real feat… While OKC must come back against Indiana, his team could well rely on him more than ever. Not only on the court but also off it, since the former undrafted player has already won an NBA championship.
Remember, AC was part of that famous Lakers squad that won the title in 2020 in the Orlando bubble, just months after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. He was then one of LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ most loyal lieutenants thanks to his selflessness on the court. Interviewed by USA Today, he made no secret of having drawn heavily on his experience with the King to progress:
Just the ability to be a pro. To go get your treatment, to eat right, to sleep, get in your recovery tights. The competitive greatness that he has that I’ve picked up from him and other guys has been a good addition to my mentality. But really just being a pro. Being a pro’s pro. I think we played over a hundred games as a team now this year, not including practices, not including travel days.
All that stuff adds up. Just being a pro, making sure I’m taking care of my body, my mind and bringing others with me.
Given LeBron’s legendary work ethic, it was difficult for Caruso not to let himself be influenced, and he has absolutely no regrets about it. Even less so if the Thunder were to ultimately be crowned NBA champions in a few days.
