Alex Caruso sends a message to Thunder fans ahead of the season opener against the Rockets

The new-look OKC Thunder team is off to a good start to the preseason with a 1-0 record, but has yet to be greeted and cheered by its wonderful home crowd at the Paycom Center.

Wednesday marks the franchise's first opportunity to host since Game 5 of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, as the Houston Rockets will head north to face the reigning top seeds.

While for many on the roster, the loud atmosphere and exuberant love that exudes from the franchise's loyal supporters is nothing new, for some of the club's fresher faces, it is something they have not yet experienced for themselves.

Their upcoming preseason matchup against Houston may only serve as a taste of the main course, which is the regular season energy felt by the home crowd, but it's still something Alex Caruso can witness in the offseason.

After a post-practice media session on Tuesday, Caruso was asked to share his thoughts on the idea of ​​finally playing in front of Thunder fans in a home setting. Without hesitation, the newcomer enthusiastically shared his excitement and shared what he had heard about such an experience since arriving in Loud City this summer.

“I'm really looking forward to playing the first home game. That’s what everyone has been preaching since the trade in June, how great the home fans are.” Caruso said.

Caruso is an eight-year NBA veteran entering his first season as a member of the Thunder after OKC traded former lottery pick Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in late June in exchange for his services.

During his professional career, the combo guard appeared against Oklahoma City 17 times, including eight times at the Paycom Center.

Because of these experiences, Caruso admitted to reporters that he was able to see firsthand what the environment is like at the Thunder's home games, although unfortunately he was always on the other side of the tenderness.

Now, as an official member of the organization, he told reporters he is “excited” to be the recipient of the buzz and, given his league-wide status, he can expect to be showered with admiration throughout the 2024-25 season.

Caruso, one of the game's elite 3-and-D weapons, is coming off the best season of his career, posting 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1, 0 blocks on 46.8 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent for loss. He shot from distance while also earning All-Defensive Team honors for the second year in a row.

When talking about one of the club's best offseason signings, it's pretty realistic to say that Thunder fans are just as excited to cheer for Caruso as they are to be cheered for.