Bucks’ Patrick Beverley roster plan amid ugly slump, revealed

Things haven’t been going well for the Milwaukee Bucks as of late. On a four-game losing streak, the team is trying to find answers to their ongoing slump. They’re currently locked in a battle with the Boston Celtics, and looking at the players on the floor, the Bucks have made a tweak to their starting unit. Starting in place of Malik Beasley is defensive specialist Patrick Beverley. The lineup change was announced before the game, based on Shams Charania’s tweet.

Looking at the numbers, one may initially question Milwaukee’s decision. This season, Beverley averages 5.9 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. Beasley, on the other hand, puts up 11.4 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. In addition, Beasley ranks ninth in the NBA in three-pointers made this season.

However, Beverley’s impact isn’t seen in the scoring numbers. For any NBA fan who’s been watching recently, he would know that Pat Bev’s specialty lies on the other side of the ball — in other words, defense. Moving Beverley to the starting lineup means that the Bucks are looking to add that perimeter defensive presence to their first five. Putting him at the starting spot will give Milwaukee a primary defender for opposing scorers (especially at the guard and the wing spot).

Beverley may be undersized at 6’2, but he sure plays bigger than it. To fully realize his impact, one has to watch the fiery guard hound opposing players on the floor. Whether it’s a crafty ball handler or a bulldozing slasher, Pat-Bev isn’t afraid to to pester whoever he’s assigned to defend.

He doesn’t care if opponents lose their cool as well. Throughout his career, Beverley has been involved in various scuffles and altercations. As long as it ends up throwing his the other person’s game off, then mission accomplished.

more to follow**