To some, Patrick Beverley has been described as problematic, not a good teammate, an instigator, etc. However, in his first game as a Milwaukee Buck after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers, Beverley is already starting to make an impact on the team, and earning brownie points from the fans.
Patrick Beverley in Milwaukee Bucks Debut
Before he even made his playing debut in Milwaukee, Beverley was seen on the sidelines taking matters into his own hands, grabbing head coach Doc Rivers‘ clipboard during a timeout, instructing the team as if he were their coach and not Rivers.
Pat Bev is already making a difference #FearTheDeer | #NBA pic.twitter.com/77rTBadZ6g
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) February 10, 2024
Rivers said that he heard Beverley repeating some defensive calls from coaches, and mistakenly used a play that Rivers hasn’t had in his playbook since their days with the LA Clippers. Beverley is excited to have another chance to play for Rivers; Rivers was the coach of the LA Clippers when Beverley played there from 2017 to 2020, so hopefully they’re able to bring that good rapport and good energy to Milwaukee.
Beverley played just 12 minutes in his Milwaukee Bucks debut, scoring six points and dishing out four assists, but the veteran is ready to take on a leadership role in Milwaukee, something he expressed in his postgame debrief.
“The way I go about things, I’m not going to make everyone happy. I’m going to upset some people,” Beverley said. “I hold myself to a high standard and I expect everyone else to do the same. My approach is very strong until you get to know me. But once you get to know me you understand, the only thing he does is want to win.”
The Bucks were able to hold Charlotte to just 84 points on Friday, their fewest allowed in a game since November 2019. Former ‘rival’ of Beverley, Damian Lillard talked about how the vet brought good energy into the locker room and on the court.
“He brought energy. He brought edge and just experience,” Lillard said. “There were times where he just kind of directed some actions offensively…defensively in the huddle, he knows who he is, he knows what he brings to a team, and he’s not shy about it. You heard his voice the moment he walked in.”
Other Milwaukee Bucks teammates felt that his presence will bring a boost, especially after the intensity he immediately brought to the team upon his arrival.
“He’s just positive energy,” Rivers said. “Holds his teammates and himself accountable. Really just wants to win, and I think our guys see that.
“I bet they learned a little bit about him already. It’s not just BS talk. He’s trying to get everybody to buy in and win.”
Milwaukee believes that Beverley can bring in some well-needed improvements, especially from a defensive perspective, seeing as the Bucks are ranked 17th in the NBA in defensive efficiency. After departing with Jrue Holiday, it was clear that Milwaukee was lacking in the defense apartment. They were able to patch up one hole with Damian Lillard, but Beverley is going to be great in that backup role behind Lillard and Malik Beasley on the court.
“He is an impactful point-of-attack defender,” Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst said. “He plays with a physicality and a toughness that we think will help us.”
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