How an undrafted player became a two-time NBA champion
In short: After being passed over in the 2016 NBA draft, Alex Caruso had to take the long way around. From the development leagues to signing the first-ever two-way contract, his journey highlights a relentless climb toward championship glory with the Lakers and the Thunder.
Alex Michael Caruso's path to professional basketball was far from certain. After going undrafted in 2016, he navigated the fringes of the league, signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder only to be waived shortly after. He found his footing in the NBA Development League with the Oklahoma City Blue before making history by becoming the first player to move directly from the D-League to the NBA via a two-way contract. During his collegiate years at Texas A&M, he established himself as a standout performer by leading the Aggies to a Sweet 16 appearance. He finished his university career as the school's all-time leader in both assists and steals. Before entering the professional ranks, he was a highly decorated high school athlete in Texas, earning multiple all-regional and all-state honours.
This unconventional trajectory led him to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he secured his first NBA championship on October 11, 2020, after defeating the Miami Heat in six games. Caruso's defensive prowess became his trademark, earning him consecutive All-Defensive Team selections while playing for the Chicago Bulls in 2023 and 2024. His impact on the court was further recognised when he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Caruso's success continued with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he joined the team via a trade for Josh Giddey on June 21, 2024. He eventually secured a four-year, $81 million contract extension in December 2024. His second NBA title arrived in 2025, when the Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games, with Caruso providing critical bench scoring during the Finals. His recent success was bolstered by a significant financial commitment from the franchise, following a major contract extension signed in late 2024.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Alex Caruso
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-alex-caruso.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
