Ryan Arcidiacono had no thought how typically the Bulls would use him when this season began.
The Bulls guard knew then-coach Fred Hoiberg appreciated what he confirmed in Summer League and into coaching camp, however he figured that the common season can be a completely completely different animal.
It has been, however not like Arcidiacono even anticipated.
Including the Portland recreation on Wednesday, the previous Villanova standout has appeared in additional video games than another participant on the roster, coming off the bench in opposition to the Trail Blazers for his 75th look this season.
The subsequent closest to Arcidiacono is Robin Lopez, who appeared in his 68th recreation of the season in opposition to Portland.
Big step for a man that was back-and-forth between the G-League Windy City Bulls and the NBA Bulls final season?
“Definitely,’’ Arcidiacono mentioned. “From going from a two-way [contract] participant who performed in 20-some video games final 12 months and simply being on the market, to now truly taking management of a recreation, taking management of a second unit per say, stepping in there with the primary unit when want be, I believe I confirmed I can run a workforce, knock down the open shot, and facilitate from that time guard spot.’’
Has he proven sufficient, nonetheless?
That’s a choice that needs to be made with him over the summer season, because the roster may have solely a few open spots between contract gamers and pending draft picks. Then if the Bulls add a veteran free-agent level guard meaning even much less alternative for Arcidiacono to search out enjoying time.
While he’s conscious of the numbers recreation, he’s additionally conscious sufficient to not dwell on it.
“I imply we’ve been evaluated all 12 months,’’ Arcidiacono mentioned of the perimeter gamers on the roster. “I haven’t actually thought of [next year]. I attempt to take it in the future at a time, one recreation at a time, and go from there. All that stuff will determine itself out.
“I’m not going to say I don’t know the place I’ll be subsequent 12 months, hope it’s nonetheless within the NBA, I believe will probably be, however simply acquired to reap the benefits of this chance in these previous couple of video games.’’
The protection can’t relaxation
Lopez is one other Bulls participant that doesn’t know the place he’ll be subsequent season, with the veteran a free agent this summer season. However, if he does by some means come again, it’s apparent to him which space of the workforce wants essentially the most enchancment.
The similar side of the workforce that coach Jim Boylen mentioned as a must-fix space: The protection.
“You attempt to not make excuses in fact,’’ Lopez mentioned of the protection. “There have been a whole lot of personnel [changes], not an excessive amount of consistency, and also you don’t wish to say it however we’re a younger workforce. Traditionally, younger groups do wrestle on that finish of the ground. We’re all conscious that’s one thing we have to work on going ahead.’’
Help wished
Considering the Bulls had been solely in a position to gown 9 in opposition to Portland, Boylen mentioned that he’ll meet with vice chairman of basketball operations John Paxson on Thursday, and there will probably be a dialogue about probably including some extra our bodies.
“We’ll most likely focus on that as we go right here,’’ Boylen mentioned. “Like I mentioned, we’re going to get by the night time and possibly focus on that. As I’ve mentioned earlier than, John and I discuss each day. … so we’ll focus on these issues and we’ll do what we predict is finest for us and the place we’re at.’’