Can you imagine PatBev in a Dubs uniform?
After getting traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Orlando Magic at the deadline then subsequently getting waived three days later, Beverley became a top target in the buyout market. The defensive-minded guard ultimately decided to join his hometown Chicago Bulls, though the Warriors were supposedly in his final two.
On his latest episode of “The Pat Bev Podcast,” Beverley explained why he didn’t land in The Bay.
“It was between Golden State and the Bulls,” Beverley said. “Obviously, it’s always good to play with a lot of great, talented guys at Golden State, but a lot of guards over there, you know? I figured I could make a playoff push with the Bulls and pump ‘em up a little bit. The East kinda weak. I’m excited man.”
The 34-year-old Beverley remains a trash-talking nuisance on the defensive end, but the Warriors already added some perimeter help at the deadline by acquiring Gary Payton II. Payton (core muscle) Steph Curry (leg) are still out for the near future, but will rejoin a squad that features Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Donte DiVincenzo and Ty Jerome in the backcourt rotation.
Payton brings a lot of the same characteristics as Beverley, but is a high-flyer who alters the Warriors’ pick-and-roll game and has the ability to thrive out of the dunker spot. DiVincenzo is also a solid defender with more offense, while Jerome is a bigger offensive threat than PatBev at this point. The Warriors still have an open roster spot but probably wouldn’t have many minutes for Beverley once Payton and Curry return.
For Chicago, Beverly’s acquisition helps soften the loss of Lonzo Ball, who has been out all season with knee soreness and had his season shut down on Tuesday. The Bulls (26-33) will return from the All-Star break in the East’s No. 11 seed, two games out of the play-in tournament. The Warriors (29-29) currently occupy the No. 9 seed in the West.
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