Patrick Beverley signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv of the Israeli Basketball Premier League On July 16, 2024. Despite being benched in most games during his professional career in the NBA, the 36-year-old star had the opportunity to showcase his skills overseas.
Beverley is not among the great scorers in the NBA. His best statistical season came in 2017-18, when he averaged 12.2 points while playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Surprisingly, in just two friendly games in the Israeli league, he felt like a superstar and likened himself to a Los Angeles Lakers star. In a recent episode of the Pat Bev Podcast, host Beverley compared his experience and the love he’s receiving playing for the overseas team to that of LeBron James.
“I know how LeBron feels. I leave games, and the guys that I play against want pictures. Coaches that I play against want pictures. The fans that I go against, they boo me, I leave out, and it’s 30 kids outside, and they all want pictures. And this is every country we go to.” Beverley said.
James, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has inspired many athletes and fans. Due to his remarkable professional career, the Los Angeles Lakers star motivates other players to push themselves to new heights in the league. James has delivered dominating performances both in the NBA and on the international stage, earning praise and love from fans worldwide. Beverley mentioned that he can relate to the love James has achieved in the NBA.
Beverley Shares Memorable Moments in the Israeli League
On May 2, during a game six loss to the Indiana Pacers, Beverley caused controversy by throwing a basketball toward a fan seated behind him. After the game, when female reporter Malinda Adams approached him for an interview, the Milwaukee Bucks guard refused to give an interview because the reporter wasn’t subscribed to his podcast. As a result, Beverley was banned for four games.
Despite facing criticism in the NBA, the point guard is receiving a lot of love overseas. Beverley elaborated on his experience in the Israeli league, mentioning that several fans and kids have approached him for photos.
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“Today was a friendly game in Belgrade, and I think I took 50 pictures today. A friendly game! Not a huge EuroCup game. What I’m doing is appreciated but to have kids and to have other players and have other coaches from competing teams go, ‘Hey Pat, I’m sorry bro, but I need this f**ing pick.’ Say less. It’s been a vibe. I know how LeBron feels now, seriously.” Beverley added.
According to StatMuse, Beverley averaged 6 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 26 games for the Bucks in the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, he averaged 6.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 47 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in the recent NBA season. It’s just the start of his career in the Israeli league, and it will be fascinating to see how Beverley will perform in the games.
