Knicks reportedly 'unlikely' to bring back fan-favorite Villanova alum

The New York Knicks are apparently unlikely to add to the "Nova Knicks" squad.

The Knicks still have an open roster spot as training camp approaches. Some fans have wondered if the team will bring back guard Ryan Arcidiacono, who spent parts of two seasons with the Knicks, is a Villanova alum, and close friends with Jalen Brunson.

Arcidiacono was traded to the Detroit Pistons last year in the deal that brought over Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks.

SNY's Ian Begley shot down the idea , however, saying he's been told it's "unlikely" the team will bring back Arcidiacono.

Begley wrote:

"People familiar with the matter said late last month that it was unlikely that the Knicks would use their 15th spot to sign backup guard Ryan Arcidiacono ... Things can change if the Knicks make a trade. But if they planned to sign Arcidiacono — a close friend of Jalen Brunson’s — to the 15th roster spot, they probably would have done so already."

As Begley noted, Arcidiacono was a positive presence in the locker room. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau often praised Arcidiacono's attitude as end-of-bench player, even admitting on Brunson and Josh Hart's "Roommates" podcast that Arcidiacono makes him laugh.

The Athletic's Fred Katz even unveiled last season that Arcidiacono had become the Knicks' unofficial scout for opponents' three-second defensive violations, calling out violations to the refs and helping the Knicks earn technical free throws.

The Knicks, however, may want to keep that final roster spot open. It gives the team flexibility to make trades down the road and absorb an extra player in a deal.

The Knicks may also be looking for someone who could contribute more than Arcidiacono if called upon. While Arcidiacono has been positive for the vibes, he has not been a big NBA contributor during his career. The Knicks might prefer to use that last roster spot for another center or perhaps more shooting.