Patrick Beverley Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Beverley's no-nonsense style of play has created a fan in Giannis

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/11/24

Patrick Beverley joined the Milwaukee Bucks at the February 8 trade deadline. He was likely acquired to help instill an identity into a struggling roster that was supposed to be a contender. Doc Rivers has worked with Beverley before. He likely identified the veteran guard as the catalyst his team needed.

Giannis Antetokounmpo appears to be enjoying Beverley's abrasive approach to the game. When speaking to the media during a post-game news conference following Milwaukee's win over the LA Clippers Sunday, he discussed the difference between facing Beverley and having him as a teammate.

“He's one of those guys that - Sorry for my language - that you say, 'he's an A-hole,'" Giannis said. "But when he plays on your team, like, 'that's my a-hole.' You know? And I love him. We love playing with him. He's a leader, he knows how to play the game. He's a winner.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo on Patrick Beverley:

“He's one of those guys that — Sorry for my language — that you say, 'he's an A-hole.' But when he plays on your team, like, 'that's my a-hole.' You know? And I love him. We love playing with him. He's a leader, he knows how to play the… pic.twitter.com/xvshYvWGzo
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 10, 2024

Beverley has a reputation for being a stellar defender. He excels on the perimeter and is also known for being aggressive and playing a disruptor role. Not only will he play with physicality, but he will also try to get in your head by trash-talking. Since joining the Bucks, Beverley has helped the team secure a 9-4 record.

Furthermore, Beverley has become an important piece of Milwaukee's defensive identity. He's providing he can be a valuable contributor on a contending team. Of course, what Beverley provides in defense he lacks in offensive ability. That will be something the Bucks have to manage and look to improve. Otherwise, Beverley's tenure with the Bucks will be short-lived.

Still, if he's helping his new team secure wins and climbing the Eastern Conference standings, Milwaukee won't be concerned about Beverley's lack of offense. They have enough scoring talent on the roster. Instead, he will likely be tasked with continuing to impact the game on the defensive end while also providing leadership to some of his younger, less experienced teammates.

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