In Patrick Beverley, The Sixers Finally Get A Quality Backup Point Guard
For years Sixers fans have yearned for a proper Backup PG. Last year there really was not one. Tyrese Maxey took up the role of PG when Harden left the floor. But it was not a natural fit for Maxey’s skillset. He did as well as he could, but they badly needed someone who can run the offense, allowing Maxey to do what he does best. But it seems they have finally gotten that. According to Woj, they agreed to a one-year deal with veteran PG Patrick Beverley.
Patrick Beverley has agreed to a one-year deal with the 76ers, his agent Kevin Bradbury with @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2023
The 34-year olf PG is going into his 12th season in the NBA. He spent the first several seasons of his pro-career playing overseas. But at 24 he made the NBA and has been a dependable role player ever since. Last season between the Lakers and Bulls he averaged 6.2 points and 2.3 assists per game. He started the season with the Lakers but was traded to the Magic. They waived him, and he signed with the Bulls. After he arrived the 26-33 Bulls turned things around a bit and made a push for the playoffs.
They went 13-9 down the stretch and got the 10th seed and a spot in the play-in games. Demar DeRozan told reporters Patrick Beverley played a large part in the turnaround.
“The man does everything. (It’s) electrifying, especially when we’re at home. It gets the crowd going, and you’ve got to feed off of that when you see a guy sacrificing himself for big plays and to save a possession. It carries over from there.”
Patrick Beverley is spelled H-U-S-T-L-E pic.twitter.com/41NxdOq5t3
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) March 19, 2023
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And that is the story of everywhere Beverley lands. What he lacks in production, he makes up for with the things that don’t get measured. He is known as a trash-talker who will both rile up his opponent and get his teammates going too. The type of guy you usually hate when he is on the other side, but love when he wears your team’s jersey.
This still leaves the question of who the starting PG will be though. James Harden is destined to be traded. As already mentioned Tyrese Maxey is not the best fit for PG.
While Patrick Beverley is a great asset to have, if he is your starting PG it leaves a lot to be desired. He has never been much of a scorer, and at 34 he is even less so now. At this point, he is much better suited to come off the bench, where his tenacity and defense could be very valuable still.
It is the first move of the Sixers’ season. It alone is not enough to turn things around. Sixers fans are still waiting on what will happen with James Harden, and even Tobias Harris. The news of Damian Lillard wanting a trade further throws a wrench into that. But for now, they at least have an answer to who the backup PG will be.
