Arlidge is in his third year with the Nuggets and his tenure has seen some lean times. But the results on the court have been much improved this season.
The Nuggets have won more games in the past three months than in the previous two years, and their record of five wins is their best effort since 2003.
The Nuggets have a golden opportunity to lift their tally to six when they complete their campaign with a game against the Harbour Heat at the Edgar Centre tonight.
For Arlidge, it is important the team finishes the season in positive fashion. But win tonight or not, he believes the season has been a success.
"It is great to see the young guys blossom this year," Arlidge said.
"It makes all the hard work that we've done behind the scenes during the last couple of years worth it.
"The likes of Riki Buckrell and Sam King have really improved their numbers. It is really pleasing, especially given all the criticism they had last year, which was probably fair.
"They have gone away and worked really hard and obviously they are maturing, too. From a coaching point of view, it is very pleasing."
Arlidge said he had not given any thought to whether he would return next year or not. He plans to take a few weeks off and think about his future.
But whether he is involved next year or not, he will remain committed to the team, he said.
Arlidge said the Nuggets had aimed high at the beginning of the season and had hoped to have recorded more wins than they have managed.
The season-ending injury to inspirational captain Mark Dickel midway through the season meant the franchise had to reassess its goals, and the unavailability of BJ Anthony was another big setback.
On the court, Arlidge said the loss to the Hawkes Bay Hawks was particularly hard to swallow.
Dickel had been controlling the tempo beautifully and had the home side seemingly on course for victory. When he limped off with the injury that ruined his campaign, the Nuggets' direction and poise went with him.
The away loss to the Nelson Giants and home game against the Taranaki Mountain Airs were also terribly disappointing.
"Against Taranaki, we didn't gel at all. The loss of Mark hit us harder than we thought and it took us a while to gel again. And the away trip to Nelson is another where I feel we just didn't play well enough."
Nuggets import Akeem Wright will be looking forward to tonight's match. He scored a season-high 40 points in the Nuggets' convincing 107-91 defeat of the Heat in Auckland in the opening game of the league.
The Heat will be playing their third game in four nights, so the Nuggets will start as favourites.
Wright is second in the league for scoring (22.6) and fellow American Antoine Tisby is third (22.1) and second in rebounds (11.7).
Leon Henry had his best game for the Nuggets last weekend with 26 points and 11 rebounds in the 81-78 win against Taranaki in New Plymouth.
The Heat will look to Kevin Smith, former Nugget Justin Bailey and Zack Atkinson to do the bulk of the scoring.
On Wednesday night, the Hawkes Bay Hawks held off the Heat to win 96-90, in Auckland.
Nuggets v Heat
Edgar Centre, tonight, 8pm
Nuggets: Antoine Tisby (captain), Leon Henry, Akeem Wright, Riki Buckrell, James Ross, Mike Fitchett, Sam King, Matt Trueman, Ethan Carruthers, Olly Smith, Damon Cleverley, Steve Robinson.
Heat: Zack Atkinson, Kevin Smith, Justin Bailey, Marty Davison, Reuben Te Rangi, Mike Done, Charlie Piho, Marco Alexander, Inga Solufuti, Ana Haku, Cameron Stuart.
