Patrick Beverley takes shot at Sixers following trade to Bucks
Patrick Beverley was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks at the NBA trade deadline on February 8. In unusual fashion, he broke the news of his trade via his podcast account on X. Beverley was acquired to help improve Milwaukee's failing defense, as they search for balance ahead of the postseason.
In typically outspoken fashion, Beverley has now taken a shot at the Philadelphia 76ers. He has noted how the Bucks locker room is more focused. He has stated how everyone on his new team is playing selfless basketball.
"Everybody wants to win," Beverley said on a recent episode of "The Pat Bev Podcast." "It's not about stats, it's not about numbers here. It's not about who gets the ball. Everybody here wants to win"
Doc Rivers previously coached Beverley when the pair were with the LA Clippers. The veteran coach clearly pinpointed his former guard as a potential culture setter. Beverley is renowned for improving the team's defensive communication and forcing his teammates to fight on every possession.
What's interesting is that Beverley was having a positive impact with the Sixers. He made 47 appearances for Nick Nurse's team, averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Trading away a veteran that's having a positive impact is peculiar. Nevertheless, those numbers have dipped in his first four games for Milwaukee, yet he's likely playing a more defensive role when checking into games.
Beverley's comments will likely raise some eyebrows. Claiming that the Sixers aren't locked in on winning a championship, despite having a solid season before Joel Embiid's injury, is an interesting claim. However, as a genuine veteran in the league, Beverley likely understands what a championship mentality looks like.
Now, Beverley will need to help instill that mentality in the Bucks. They've looked far from being a contending team this season despite adding Damian Lillard during the summer. Milwaukee's fans will be hoping Beverley's comments are more than just words as they continue to hope Doc Rivers can turn the team's struggles around.
Either way, Beverley is doing what he's supposed to do. He's uplifting his team and creating an "us against them" mentality. That's what he does best. Rivers will surely be hoping it works.
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