Someway, the New York Knicks are MacGyvering their technique to the highest of the East in an excellent soldier league in a way we haven’t seen because the ‘04 Pistons. OG Anunoby’s arrival has fortified Tom Thibodeau’s protection into the NBA’s Fort Knox, and as soon as Mitchell Robinson returns, the paint in Madison Sq. Backyard will likely be one of the vital safe services on the earth. However Anunoby’s presence is just half of the equation. Reserve level guard Ryan Arcidiacono is Affected person Zero doing his half to curb scoring. His 2023-24 lowlight reel is an exhibition of wrestle on the identical seventh circle of hell as Happy Gilmore on the placing inexperienced.
Because the season tipped off, Arcidiacono has scored precisely zero factors in 20 appearances (he’s averaging 2.3 MPG and is 0-for-6 from the sector, all of which have been taken from 3-point land). That’s greater than double the previous NBA record of 9 consecutive appearances with no level. The league wants to check his DNA for no matter it’s stopping him from placing the ball by means of the ring. That is New York basketball at its core. Gritty, over-caffeinated, overhyped and scaffolding lining the streets to guard residents from Arcidiancono’s bricks.
All jokes apart, Arcidiacono is to Jalen Brunson what Thanasis is to Giannis or Taj Gibson on another 10-day to Thibs. He’s simply right here for the vibes. Arcidiacono was teammates with Brunson and Josh Hart at Villanova. Extra particularly, as a senior Arcidiacono was Brunson’s mentor throughout his freshman 12 months. As Brunson’s predecessor as place to begin guard, he was a 50-40-90 shooter, which makes his predicament with the Knicks much more mysterious.
What Arcidiacono was most recognized for at Nova is shoveling a pass to Kris Jenkins earlier than he pulled the set off on a triple from the highest of the important thing and plunged a dagger into UNC’s coronary heart on the buzzer in 2017’s nationwide title sport. This offseason, Arcidiacono joined Brunson, Hart, Rick Brunson and Brunson’s godfather Leon Rose on the Knicks. There’s no larger dichotomy than Brunson’ and Archiacono’s trajectory.
Thibs’ protection makes it really feel such as you’re taking part in on double rims and chainlink nets, however Arcidiacono performs like he’s been traumatized in apply runs by Anunoby and Co. The NBA wants extra Arcidiacono. That is an official petition for each staff to provide extra minutes to their Ryan Arcidiacono.
There have been 4 70-point video games since Arcidiacono final scored a single level towards the Pelicans final season when he was a Portland Path Blazer and of the 172,453 factors tallied by groups this 12 months, he’s scored none of them. There’s nothing extra relatable to the informal fan than an NBA participant who is rather like them. He’s on tempo to be a first-ballot inductee into the Unhealthy Basketball Wing of the Naismith Corridor of Fame for his helpful work in protecting scores down, alongside the Detroit Pistons. The primary time he drains a shot, The Backyard might drop the confetti.
The Affiliation’s scoring surge is reaching crucial mass. It’s simpler to come back by buckets within the fashionable NBA than at any level because the ABA merger. However till the NBA institutes draconian rule modifications to recalibrate defenses or Congress sends assets to defend the paint, Ryan Arcidiacono and the Knicks are the heroes we didn’t know we wanted.
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