Bleacher Report Sleeping on Former Texas A&M Star Alex Caruso in Top 99

Former Texas A&M standout Alex Caruso has earned a spot on Bleacher Report’s ranking of the 99 best NBA players heading into the 2026-27 season, but his placement at No. 93 might not fully reflect the impact he brings to the court.

Caruso has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most dependable defensive guards, using his relentless effort, basketball IQ, and versatility to make life difficult for opposing offenses. While his offensive numbers might not jump off the page, his ability to influence games in ways that do not always appear in the box score makes him a valuable contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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"Even as he ages toward his mid-30s, Alex Caruso remains one of the absolute best and most physical perimeter defenders in the NBA," BR writes. "There may be no one who’s better at dictating the way a game will be officiated on that end. And on the other, his willingness to move the ball has helped him overcome a declining three-point percentage."

During the 2025-26 season, Caruso averaged 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and two assists per game. Those numbers might suggest a player toward the bottom of a league-wide ranking, but they fail to capture what makes him such an important piece of a competitive roster.

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Caruso's defensive ability is arguably the strongest reason to believe he deserves a higher spot on Bleacher Report's list. He can defend multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, pressure ball handlers, and make life uncomfortable for some of the league's best offensive players. His willingness to do the difficult work on that end of the floor gives his team an advantage that traditional statistics often struggle to measure.

In a league increasingly defined by offensive firepower, having a player who can consistently provide defensive resistance is especially valuable. Caruso's versatility allows his team to deploy him in different matchups, while his instincts and activity can change the momentum of a game without requiring him to score in double figures.

That is why ranking Caruso at No. 93 could be selling him short. While BR's list considers the overall talent across the NBA, Caruso's defensive impact and ability to contribute to winning basketball arguably put him ahead of several players whose offensive production is more noticeable.

Caruso's journey to this point makes his standing even more impressive. After playing four seasons at Texas A&M, he went undrafted in 2016 and had to work his way into a consistent NBA role. He ultimately established himself through defensive intensity, smart decision-making, and a willingness to embrace whatever role his team needed him to fill.

For Texas A&M fans, Caruso remains an example of how a player can build a successful professional career without relying on scoring totals or individual accolades. His value comes from doing the little things that help teams win.