The Golden State Warriors will reportedly be working out Ryan Arcidiacono this week as they look to fill their final roster spot with a serviceable backup point guard to help ease the load off of Stephen Curry.
This is a position the team has been looking to fill for the last two seasons. Jordan Poole is expected to carry some playmaking responsibilities but is more suited to be an off-ball creator. As a result, the team has considered a few different odd-ball candidates such as the retired Darren Collison and now, Arcidiacono.
Ryan Arcidiacono would be an odd yet potentially rewarding fit with the Golden State Warriors in the 2021-22 NBA season.
The 26-year-old guard played four seasons for Villanova, leading them to an NCAA championship in his senior year. He was a high-powered floor general who could efficiently drill 3-pointers and conduct the offense for his teammates.
This skillset has not translated to the NBA game just yet. He served mostly as a backup guard in Chicago for four years behind Zach LaVine. Arcidacono did not pop off the charts as a shooter, playmaker or defender for the Bulls.
However, it is possible Chicago just was not a good fit for Arcidiacono. This would make sense considering he thrived when he was a cog in the machine of a talented team in Villanova. Perhaps he will look different on the Warriors in a winning environment versus playing backup guard on a lottery team.
The Dubs could use a high-IQ player to fill for Curry in the second unit. Arcidiacono has maintained a solid assist-to-turnover ratio during his time in the NBA and is a career 37.3 percent 3-point shooter.
A workout with the franchise should give them enough insight into how talented Arcidiacono actually is. If he looks good and manages to find a way onto the roster — it could make for an interesting dynamic.
Arcidiacono has not given much reason for optimism but a change of scenery might be all he needs. Joining the Dubs worked for Andrew Wiggins, after all. While no one should suspect Arcidiacono has a hidden leap in development coming any time soon — he could become a quality contributor for the Dubs if he impresses them this week.