In professional basketball, athletes’ journeys frequently cross in surprising manners, weaving tales of inspiration and respect that go beyond boundaries and competitions. This is evident in the story of Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s elder brother, and his respect for NBA veteran, Patrick Beverley , rooted in their shared experiences in Greece.
Beverley, celebrated for his relentless defense, revealed an interesting story about his impact on Thanasis. While Beverley played for Olympiacos, arguably one of the best teams in Greece, he found Thanasis, then in the second division, who saw him as an inspirational figure.
Thanasis’s admiration for Beverley’s achievements and playing style was something the NBA guard hadn’t anticipated. He recalls:
I go one day, watch some guys work out, it's him. [Thanasis Antetokounmpo]... I didn't think someone looked up to me and wanted to embrace their game because of the things I've done on the court... The best teammate. 110% every day, 110% every practice, encouraging, up talking all the time, a huge smile on his face .
This revelation touched Beverley, who hadn’t known the extent of his influence on Thanasis Antetokounmpo through his time and play in Greece. It shows the unseen impact athletes can have on each other, sometimes without their knowledge.
For Thanasis, Beverley’s journey from Olympiacos to the Houston Rockets was a testament to the rewards of hard work. This narrative illuminates the humility and unseen support common among athletes, aspects frequently overlooked by spectators.
Patrick Beverley vs. JJ Redick in the Doc Rivers Debate
In the NBA’s electrifying atmosphere, not all the action happens on the court. Off it, a heated argument has caught everyone’s attention. Milwaukee Bucks’ guard, Patrick Beverley, and ex-NBA star now ESPN analyst, JJ Redick have clashed in a fiery debate. It all started with Redick’s sharp criticism of Doc Rivers, the Bucks’ coach, on ESPN’s First Take. Beverley didn’t hold back, leaping to Rivers’ defense, sparking a verbal duel that’s now the buzz of the basketball community.
Beverley’s backing of Rivers went beyond simple disagreement; it was a passionate declaration of loyalty. He celebrated Rivers for being crucial to Redick’s career when they were both with the Los Angeles Clippers. Leveraging his significant social media influence, Beverley claimed Rivers’ guidance was central to Redick’s achievements.
Redick, always ready for a challenge and famous for his accuracy, responded firmly. He highlighted his career highlights, questioning Beverley’s interpretation of their shared history, particularly a memorable 2015 playoff series. With solid statistics, Redick backed his time with Rivers, fueling more discussion on Rivers’ coaching skills, his impact on players, and the implications for the Bucks’ upcoming season.
More must-reads: