Chicago Bulls: Ryan Arcidiacono continues to impress

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

After mostly playing for the Windy City Bulls last season, Ryan Arcidiacono signed an NBA deal with the Chicago Bulls. So far, Ryan has been impressive.

Ryan Arcidiacono is one of the toughest players in the NBA. There are a lot of players in the league that don’t like contact, but not Ryan. He plays every game likes it his last.

On June 25, 2017, Ryan Arcidiacono signed a two-way deal with the Chicago Bulls. He spent most of his time last season playing for the Windy City Bulls. In 37 games for the Windy City Bulls, Ryan averaged 13.8 points, five rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game.

Before the 2018-2019 Chicago Bulls season, the front office decided to sign Ryan Arcidiacono to a partially guarantee contract. He has played in seven games this season and has averaged 6.9 points, and 5.4 assists per game. He has led the Bulls in assists in five of the eight games this season, including three of the last four.

Ryan Arcidiacono is shooting 50% from the field and close to 46% from the three point line. He currently ranks third in the NBA and second in the Eastern Conference in assists-to-turnover ratio.

Ryan Arcidiacono has quietly had a strong start to the season, but the Bulls last game might have been Ryan’s best performance. Against the Denver Nuggets, he had three steals which all happened in the third quarter. Ryan’s impact in the third quarter really changed the momentum to the Bulls side. He has had at least one steal in each of the last three games.

Watching the game against the Nuggets, I was surprised of how vocal Arcidiacono was in the huddle. Making sure everyone knows that they’re doing. You just love to see that. He has played more than 25 minutes in the past three games. Fred Hoiberg is putting more trust in Arch, and he hasn’t disappointed.

Ryan Arcidiacono isn’t a player that will score a lot of points, but that’s okay. If you look at just the box score, then you won’t truly know the impact that Ryan makes.

If you watch him play, you can see the impact that he makes for the Bulls. He’s a true point guard, as he always looks to pass the ball first. He’s an unselfish basketball player.

There have been so many times this season where Ryan Arcidiacono has put his body on the line to give his team extra possessions. Ryan is ranked 13th in the NBA for charges drawn, and will be one of the first ones to go after a loose ball. You got to appreciate a player like Ryan, who will put his body on the line in order to give his team the best chance to win.

The energy that Ryan brings to the court is so contagious to his teammates. He reminds me a lot of Kirk Hinrich. He isn’t the most talented player in the league, but he’s definitely one of the toughest. You always know what your’re going to get from Ryan Arcidiacono. Heart, hustle, and muscle.