If you’ve watched a single Oklahoma City Thunder game recently, or maybe you still have fond memories of those scrappy Lakers championship runs, you’ve probably looked at the guy with the receding hairline and wondered: how old is Caruso, anyway?
It’s a fair question. Honestly, the "Bald Mamba" has one of those faces that makes him look like he could be your high school chemistry teacher or a 40-year-old accountant who happens to have a 40-inch vertical. But looks can be deceiving in the NBA.
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Alex Caruso is currently 31 years old.
He was born on February 28, 1994. If you’re doing the quick math, that means he’s squarely in his physical prime, even if his hairline decided to head into retirement a few years early.
The Timeline: Why how old is Caruso matters for the Thunder
When the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to land Caruso in June 2024, the league took notice. At 31, Caruso is essentially the "elder statesman" on a roster that feels like it’s barely old enough to rent a car. While players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are the engine, Caruso is the high-performance brake system.
He’s not just a body on the floor. He’s a two-time NBA champion (2020 with the Lakers and 2025 with the Thunder). That experience is priceless for a young OKC squad.
Think about it. Most 31-year-olds in the NBA are starting to slow down. But Caruso? He’s still diving for loose balls like he’s trying to earn a 10-day contract.
His age gives him a perspective that younger players haven't developed yet. He knows how to manipulate a screen, when to jump a passing lane, and exactly how to get under the skin of a 20-year-old superstar without picking up a technical.
Breaking Down the Miles
Caruso didn't take the "standard" path to being a 31-year-old NBA vet. He wasn't a lottery pick. He wasn't even a late first-rounder.
- The College Years: He spent four full years at Texas A&M. In an era of one-and-done stars, staying until 2016 meant he entered the professional world "old" at 22.
- The G League Grind: He spent significant time with the Oklahoma City Blue and South Bay Lakers. This wasn't glamorous. It was bus rides and cheap motels.
- The Breakout: He didn't really become a household name until he was about 25 or 26.
This "late start" is actually why his legs still look so fresh. He doesn't have the wear and tear of a player like LeBron James or Kevin Durant, who started playing 35+ minutes a night against grown men at age 19.
Comparing the "Other" Caruso
Kinda funny enough, if you Google "how old is Caruso," you might occasionally stumble upon Enrico Caruso. Unless you're a massive opera fan, you probably aren't looking for him. But for the sake of factual depth: Enrico Caruso died in 1921 at the age of 48.
Our Alex Caruso is much younger, much more alive, and significantly better at defensive rotations.
Why 31 is the "Sweet Spot" for the Bald Mamba
There’s a specific kind of basketball IQ that only comes with being 31. You’ve seen every defensive coverage. You’ve played in the Finals. You’ve been the guy at the end of the bench, and you’ve been the guy starting the clinching game of the NBA Finals.
Basically, Caruso is the ultimate "glue guy."
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He signed a massive four-year, $81 million extension with the Thunder in late 2024. That contract takes him through his age-35 season. For most guards, that’s a risky bet. But for a guy whose game is built on brains, positioning, and "hustle," it’s actually a smart move by OKC.
"He’s still really raw, he’s not as strong as Giannis or Jokic," Caruso recently said about Victor Wembanyama.
That’s the kind of blunt, veteran honesty you get from a guy who’s been around the block. He isn't intimidated by the "next big thing" because he's watched stars come and go for a decade.
What to expect as he turns 32
As Caruso approaches his next birthday in February, don't expect his role to diminish. He’s currently averaging about 18 to 20 minutes a game—a perfect "load management" balance that keeps him lethal for the playoffs.
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He might look like he’s 45 when he’s standing at the free-throw line, but when the ball is live, he’s as fast as anyone on the court.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the defensive footwork: Notice how he uses his "veteran" status to bait younger players into offensive fouls.
- Ignore the hairline: Judge him by the "Hustle Award" on his mantle, not the lack of hair on his head.
- Value the extension: Understand that OKC paid for his brain and leadership just as much as his three-point shooting.
- Check the injury report: At 31, back soreness (which he's dealt with recently) is a real thing. Keep an eye on his minutes leading up to the postseason.
Caruso's journey from an undrafted kid in College Station to a $80-million-dollar veteran in Oklahoma City is one of the coolest stories in the league. He's proof that you don't need a max-contract pedigree to become an indispensable part of a championship culture.