The Chicago Bulls are surging right now, much to the surprise of everybody. They have moved up to 9 – 4 after a big 100 – 90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Led by the dynamic duo of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, it seemed like the Clippers just had no answer for the Bulls offense.

Despite his monster performance (35 points on 12 of 16 shooting and 10 of 11 from the line, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists), DeRozan was quick to heap praise on one of his Bulls teammates: Alex Caruso. Here's what Deebo had to say about the point guard. (via Mark Medina)

“He's one of the highest IQ players I've played with since I've been in the game. Just to have somebody with that natural IQ out there on the court, it's going to make things so much easier for you offensively and defensively.”

The Bulls signing Alex Caruso may have been memed on by some casual NBA fans, but he's quickly proving himself to be a valuable player on this squad. Despite only shooting 2-for-11 for 7 points, Caruso was still a team-high +16 for the Bulls: a testament to the value he brings on the court. Lakers fans are surely kicking themselves for letting go of an integral part of their championship roster.

DeRozan isn't the only one to praise Caruso this season. Earlier this week, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he was glad that Caruso moved out of the West to the Bulls. For an undrafted player who was more memed on early in his career, Alex Caruso is truly proving his value in this league.

The Bulls are starting to be terrifying again this season. Fans might get enticed by DeRozan's footwork or LaVine's dunks, but real ones know that behind the scenes, Alex Caruso is making this Bulls team so much better.