76ers' Patrick Beverley makes wild claim during recent podcast
Patrick Beverley is one of the NBA's most outspoken players. The defensive-minded guard has been in the league for 12 years and developed a reputation for being an elite defender and energy guy off the bench. He's also been a starter for 505 of the 598 regular-season games he's played in.
However, Beverley has never been regarded as a star. Instead, he's seen as a high-level role player for midlevel teams. Beverley has only participated in 65 postseason games throughout his career, yet in a recent episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast," Beverley said that players around the league wished he was on their team.
"I don't know why people always come to me about points," Beverley said. "I impact the game of basketball. I give my teammates energy and confidence that they've never had before. I'm still an elite — check the numbers — defender in the world...You can argue what you want, but your favorite player wishes I was on his team."
Beverley joined the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason. He now has a chance to be on a team with the potential to contend for a championship playing alongside the reigning MVP Joel Embiid. He's also playing for a coach who thrives on defense and grit in Nick Nurse. Beverley may have found the perfect situation.
It's also true that Beverley empowers his teammates. He's had successful stops with the L.A. Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves that support his claim. Of course, there's no telling whether every star player in the league would want to play alongside Beverley. His outspoken nature could become problematic in the wrong situation.
Nevertheless, Beverley has the opportunity to prove himself on a contending team. He's earned his opportunity with the Sixers, and so far, he's living up to expectations as an energy guy and high-level defender as part of the second unit.
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