Possibly the Ryan Arcidiacono-Tom Thibodeau union might be a match made in basketball heaven.
Villanova affiliate head coach George Halcovage, who coached Arcidiacono at Villanova from 2012-16, certain thinks so.
“He’s fired up,’’ Halcovage advised The Submit. “He’s a pupil of the sport. Thibs, like Coach [Jay] Wright, is demanding and likes guys to have an edge. And that’s actually one in all his strengths, to carry that sort of mentality. He’s excited to have a chance. He believes he belongs in that league.’’
The Knicks formally introduced Arcidiacono’s signing Thursday to a 10-day contract, taking the roster spot of the waived Wayne Selden.
The Villanova champion nonetheless is rehabbing a sprained ankle incurred within the G-League with the Maine Celtics. After 4 seasons with the Bulls, Arcidiacono went to Boston’s coaching camp however was reduce.
Even when Knicks level guard Kemba Walker returns after reinjuring his left knee, it’s unlikely he’ll be enjoying back-to-back units once more this season. In the meantime, Derrick Rose might be out till late February as a result of ankle surgical procedure.
Alec Burks is the Knicks’ present place to begin guard, and Arcidiacono might be a high backup on some nights.
“Our scouts have been following him,’’ Thibodeau mentioned Thursday earlier than the Knicks hosted the Celtics. “They like him so much. I watched him when he was enjoying with the Bulls. And I adopted his profession at Villanova. We’ll see the way it goes. I just like the issues that he does. We’ll see what he can add to the staff. So it’s a plus.’’
Requested if this might be a long-term signing, Thibodeau mentioned, “We clearly like him. That’s why we introduced him in. We’ll see the way it unfolds.’’
Arcidiacono, greatest recognized in school for his feed to Kris Jenkins on the game-winning shot within the 2016 NCAA Match title sport, apparently harm his ankle throughout the G-League showcase.
“He’s been type of recovering,’’ Thibodeau mentioned. “He performed within the G-League for some time. It’s a type of issues. Guys twist ankles. He’s rehabbing and might be able to go.’’
Protection is Arcidiacono’s calling card, as he’s a 37.3 % 3-point shooter in 204 video games.
“He performs laborious is crucial factor,’’ Halcovage mentioned. “He competes each possession. Guys who play laborious are in a position to make performs and make up for any deficiencies. He’s a really mental defender. He’ll know the tendencies of who he’s matched up in opposition to, what their strengths and weaknesses are and what the staff is making an attempt to perform. He’s actually cerebral in that.’’
On Zoom Tuesday evening, Wright mentioned he’s reached out to his former level guard.
“I noticed the rumor, so I mentioned, ‘Is that this true?’ ’’ Wright mentioned. “He mentioned sure, and I used to be like, ‘That’s superior, man, I’m psyched for you.’ ’’
“We all the time discuss in the summertime after we see one another about basketball and gamers,’’ Wright mentioned. “Leon seems on the sport similar to what Ryan does. He likes tough-minded, unselfish proficient, staff gamers. I do know Tom Thibdodeau does additionally. These two are an awesome pair. I do know Ryan will match into that tradition extraordinarily effectively and he’s proud to be part of it.’’
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