NEWSLETTER
On the same day the Chicago Bulls promoted Onuralp Bitim to a full-time roster spot, the organization re-signed an old friend.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Ryan Arcidiacono has signed on with the franchise’s G-League affiliate. The veteran guard spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bulls, appearing in 207 total games and averaging 17.6 minutes per contest.
Arcidiacono departed the franchise following the 2020-21 season, which was the first under the guidance of Arturas Karnisovas and Billy Donovan. He went on to sign with the New York Knicks before he was later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022-23 season. Arcidiacono then re-signed with the Knicks this season and went on to appear in 20 games. Ultimately, the team traded him as part of the deal for Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, which led to the Detroit Pistons waiving him.
Overall, Arcidiacono has struggled to remain a part of an NBA rotation throughout his career. He’s only played in 50 total games over the past three seasons. Bulls fans know Arcidiacono’s limitations well. While he’s always had a knack for making the hustle plays, his six-foot-three frame and lack of raw athleticism can make him tough to keep on the floor. Arcidiacono just doesn’t provide much in the way of off-the-dribble shot creation, and his 3-point shooting has never come on a high enough volume to help him stand out.
Ryan Arcidiacono has at least found a way to be a plus-defender at times thanks to his high motor, but his lack of size will always make him a target. In other words, I’m not quite sure I fully understand why the Windy City Bulls felt the need to add him instead of a potential young prospect. Maybe they see Arcidiacono’s experience as something that can help players like Henri Drell and Adama Sanogo grow?
If one thing is for sure, it doesn’t make much sense to view Ryan Arcidiacono as a future part of the Bulls’ roster. They are stuffed at guard and in desperate need of more traditional size, so I can’t imagine we’ll see him back at the United Center any time soon.
Doesn’t this just feel like a peak Chicago Bulls move, though? Not only do they questionably sign Bitim to their final roster spot, but they go and add an organizational favorite to take his place in the G-League. Who needs change!? Continuity always and forever!
Anyway, welcome back to Chicago Archie. You’ve always worked your tail off, and I’ll never forget your Superman dive that led to a dope LaVine dunk. Sadly, this is still one of the Bulls’ most fun plays of the last five years.
