Alex Caruso has built a remarkable NBA career over nearly a decade, transforming from a standout at Texas A&M into a respected defensive force in the league. With stops at the Lakers, Bulls, and now the Thunder, the two-time All-Defensive Team selection continues to make his mark.
Known for his relentless defense, Caruso has earned a reputation as a tough on-ball defender and a disruptive force in the post. His performance against Nikola Jokić in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals proved his defensive range. Add in his reliable three-point shooting, and it’s easy to understand his long-lasting success in the league.
While Caruso’s athleticism remains strong, his hair has taken a different path. Now considered one of the NBA’s most iconic bald players, Caruso made the decision to shave his head in the 2020–21 season. He followed the lead of bald basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jason Kidd.
Since embracing the look, Caruso’s career has only climbed. In 2021, he signed a four-year, $36.98 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. He earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023 and Second Team in 2024. That same year, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, reuniting with his former G-League coach, Mark Daigneault. In his first season in Oklahoma City, Caruso led the league’s top-ranked defense and soon signed a new contract worth $81 million over four years.
Caruso has also become a fan favorite, not only for his tough play but for his unique image. His bald head has inspired nicknames like “Bald Mamba,” “Bald Eagle,” and “The Accountant.” But for Caruso, it’s about more than just style—it’s about confidence.
“Whatever you want to do, do it,” Caruso told GQ in 2021. “That’s honestly for hair, for life… At the end of the day, it’s your life. As long as you’re happy with it, that’s all there really is to it.”Both on the court and in life, Caruso’s commitment to being himself continues to set him apart.
