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Lonzo Ball's absence has remained a sore spot for the Chicago Bulls franchise. He started last season in spectacular fashion, proving himself to be an elite-level player on both ends of the floor. Ball, unfortunately, was sidelined with a knee injury. He was initially only supposed to be sidelined for several weeks. However, he was ultimately forced to sit out the remainder of the Chicago Bulls season.
During that time, the team's defense took a notable hit. Prior to his injury, Ball and Alex Caruso were one of the best defensive duos in the league. They had spectacular double teams and the ability to switch onto any position. The two were a menace to the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, for the duo, it has now been ages since the two have been on the floor together. Fans have been anxiously awaiting the reunion.
During a recent interview with KC Johnson, Caruso spoke about the ongoing situation. He addressed the dominance he and Ball showed when they were on the floor together. As he pointed out, when he and Lonzo Ball were on the floor together, their opponents hardly stood a chance, much like when he shared the floor with LeBron James in Los Angeles en route to an NBA Championship.
"It was a lot of fun for me just being out there and have another guy like I had in LA with that championship run where it was just like, ‘The other team has no chance.’ I miss it a little bit, yeah."
He continued, explaining how the two men being capable of guarding any player on the floor is a nightmare scenario for opponents.
"We fly around. We cover up for other people. We cover up for each other. And then you can put us on the other team’s best player and go 1-on-1 most times and have a pretty good chance of getting a stop."
Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso: One of the best statistical defensive duos in the league
Although Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso spent limited time on the floor together last season due to injuries, the statistics don't lie. With both Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso on the floor together, the team boasted one of the best defensive ratings in the league. Due to injuries, fans didn't get to see the duo compete together in the playoffs. This is something Chicago fans hope to see change this season.
With both men being two of the most elite defenders in the league, it's no surprise that Caruso sees a lot of similar qualities between himself and Ball. He continued on, explaining to KC Johnson that the duo can give teams just as many problems on offense as they do on defense.
"We have a lot of the same qualities — that anticipation, the knack for making the right play, getting deflections. And then he’s so lethal in transition. His numbers are off the charts. Mine were pretty decent, too. We can play off each other in transition, and it’s a lot of fun."
With just days to go until the start of the season, fans in Chicago are eagerly awaiting news on the potential return of Lonzo Ball. Although there has been no indication as to when the young star will be healthy and ready to return to the lineup, the city of Chicago is eager to welcome him back to the floor.
Guess the Lakers players!
