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Bulls' Arcidiacono thinks he's earned a full-time job in NBA

Given two chances to start this week, Ryan Arcidiacono acquitted himself well.

The former Villanova star totaled 24 points and 8 assists, while hitting 10 of 15 shots from the field. He's started 28 games this season for the Bulls.

But even while Arcidiacono has been a pleasant surprise, he's still playing on a one-year contract, so his NBA career will be in limbo this summer. He said he's not thinking about the future.

"I try to take it day by day and go from there, but I think I've played well enough that something will happen," Arcidiacono said. "But you've just got to stay humble and stay hungry and keep taking advantage of the last 12 games and take it one day at a time."

It's hard to imagine the Bulls not trying to bring back Arcidiacono. He's been a capable contributor on the floor and his teammates appreciate how hard he works. But the point guard spot could be in flux this summer, as the Bulls ponder potential draft candidates and whether or not Kris Dunn is the right fit.

"I feel like I've tried to make winning plays," Arcidiacono said. "I feel like I've shot the ball decently well and tried to fit in wherever our team needs me. I think every young player in this league goes through little lulls where they're not playing and stuff doesn't go for them, but you just have to stay consistent in the work that you do every single day."

Boylen sees winner:

Not surprisingly, Bulls coach Jim Boylen was emphatic when asked if Ryan Arcidiacono has proved himself to be an NBA player. He was a two-way player last season, spending most of his time with the Windy City Bulls.

"Absolutely. Archie's a winning player," Boylen said. "He has improved. When he got here, he didn't look at the rim. He'd get in the paint and he wouldn't look at the rim. Everybody would pull back and he didn't want to shoot it. He has learned how to finish.

"I give credit to our coaches. He has really learned how to finish with both hands. He has a great left hand now. And when he gets in the paint, he has the ability to make shots. He has the soft touch. So now he has the ability to spray it or finish. That's really helped us and it's going to keep him in the league for a long time."

Bull horns:

Clippers coach Doc Rivers, a Maywood native, is making a run in the coach of the year race. The Clips have surged into playoff position despite trading top scorer Tobias Harris to clear cap space. "To do what they've done is unbelievable," Bulls coach Jim Boylen said. "I give Doc a lot of credit." … Ryan Arcidiacono said he was at dinner with Lakers guard Josh Hart and a few other friends from Villanova when he found out college teammate Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 34 points against San Antonio on Tuesday. Brunson, an NBA rookie, is a Stevenson High School graduate.

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