Bulls' Alex Caruso Jokes Guards Were Relegated to NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team

Alex Caruso doesn't seem to be a fan of the NBA's new positionless awards system.

The Chicago Bulls guard was named to the NBA's All-Defensive second team Tuesday but noted guards were nowhere to be found on the first team.

Rudy Gobert, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo and Herb Jones were named to the All-Defensive first team. At 6'7", Jones is the smallest player on the first team and the only player who does not play predominantly at center.

By contrast, Jaden McDaniels (6'9") was the tallest player on the second team by four inches and is the only non-guard of the bunch.

Caruso was the only guard to receive more than 20 first-team votes.

The NBA revamped its awards system starting with the 2023-24 season. Players had to play in at least 65 games to be eligible for any postseason award or team, and the league moved away from traditional positions when determining All-NBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams.

Under previous rules, two centers, four forwards and four guards were named to All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.

Given the way the votes shook out, Caruso would have been a virtual lock for a first-team selection in previous seasons. It would have marked his second straight first-team honor.