Patrick Beverley Appreciation Week

Patrick Beverley Early Years

A Chicago native, Beverley attended Waubonise Valley High School, a school just outside of Chicago, for one season. He then transferred to John Marshall Metropolitan High School in the West Side of Chicago. You might not know it from his current averages in the NBA, but high school Beverley could light it up. As a senior, Beverley led the entire state of Illinois in scoring with a ridiculous 37.3 points per game. Outside of his monstrous scoring performance, Beverley attributes much of his current-day mentality to growing up in the streets of Chicago. He even once said he could’ve been the “greatest drug dealer ever” if it wasn’t for basketball. He took the hard-nosed mantra and translated it to the basketball court. Beverley became one of the grittiest players the game has ever seen.

Beverley Becomes a Hog

Freshman

After being recruited by Stan Heath, Beverley brought his talents south and became an Arkansas Razorback. This decision paid instant dividends as he scored 29 points off the bench in his first game. Beverley went on to average just under 14 point, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game as a freshmen. That included multiple 20+ point outings. He earned the title of Southeastern Conference Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press, as well as SEC Freshman of the Year honors according to league coaches. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and awarded All-SEC Second-Team Honors. Beverley led the Hogs to a 21 win season alongside high-flying junior forward, Sonny Weems. Unfortunately, as is the case with many Razorback seasons, the campaign ended too soon. The Hogs finished their season with back-to-back losses in the SEC Championship game and round one of the NCAA Tournament.

Sophomore

In his second season with the Hogs, Beverley took a half-step back statistically while still complimenting the now senior forward, Sonny Weems. Weems led the team in scoring at 15 per game, but Beverley was tied for second in scoring at 12.1, tied for second in steals per game at 1.3, and sitting in third in assists with 2.4 per game. Without question the most impressive part of this season was Beverley’s team high 5.4 rebounds per contest. For context, Beverley was listed at 6’1 with other players in the starting five measuring at 6’6, 6’8, and 6’10. The gritty 6’1 guard out of Chicago managed to pull down more rebounds than any of the trees packing the paint. This unique skill has carried over into his NBA career as he is currently averaging the same magic number of 5.4 rebounds per game against NBA-sized forwards and centers.

Patrick Beverley’s Unusual Path

After a year-long suspension related to a homework scandal was given to Beverley, he decided to forego the rest of his college career and test the professional waters. After receiving little interest from the NBA, he headed overseas to join Olympiacos for the 2009-10 EuroLeague season. Here he averaged only 2.9 PPG and 1.9 RPG in 19 games played, never fully finding his grove.

Two years later, in 2012, the Houston Rockets finally gave Beverley a shot at his NBA dream. Some might call it luck, but anyone who follows Beverley knows how hard he worked to earn his chance and his keep. In 41 games played with Houston, the rookie out of Arkansas averaged only six points, three rebounds, and three assists. As a role player, he had done just enough to earn another shot. He returned to Houston for the next four seasons, averaging 10 points, nearly four assists, upwards of a steal per game, and of course nearly five rebounds per outing, holding true to his gritty nature.

Clippers Trade

In the 2017 offseason, Beverley was included in what seemed like one of the most lopsided deals in recent memory. The deal was for Clippers All Star point guard, Chris Paul. The trade was centered on Beverley and perennial 6^th Man of the Year candidate, Lou Williams, while Montrezl Harrell, Sam Dekker, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer, and a 2018 1^st round pick were tossed in as sweeteners. By our count, that’s seven players and a pick for Chris Paul. Without going into too much detail, Williams and Harrell became the highest scoring bench duo in league history, the pick ended up in Atlanta and became Omari Spellman, Chris Paul was traded from Houston after one season, and Beverley became, and remains, the heart and soul of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Pay Day

Beverley still averages far fewer points than most players in the league. However, his rebounding, playmaking, defense, intensity, and intangibles play a major role on the title-hopeful Clippers’ current roster. In fact, the Clippers were so sold on Beverley’s role with the team that in an off-season dedicated to landing Kawhi Leonard, they signed Beverley to a 3-year, $40 million deal, the most lucrative of his career. The hard work, perseverance, unusual path, and unwavering mentality finally paid off.

He started as just a kid from the streets of Chicago. Now Beverley is the starting point guard and integral piece on a Championship favorite roster. We appreciate you Pat Bev.

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