“If he would’ve went to another team… I fu—ng love Philly (Philadelphia 76ers) fans, but if you ain’t doing what you need to do for Philly, they gonna let your mg a– know in a heartbeat… ‘Hey, man, you stink. You’re a bum. Get in the house. Why are you having a drink with me?… if he would’ve went to a Charlotte to start without all of the harsh backlash that he got from fans and media and all that, he probably would’ve had a three,” Patrick Beverley said, via Pat Bev Pod.

During his tenure in Philadelphia, Ben delivered the best statistical performance of his career, marking the last team where he averaged double digits. However, it was also where persistent knee and back injuries began to hinder his progress. Moreover, fans frequently criticized his perceived lack of commitment, lending credence to Patrick’s claim that whether Simmons had joined a team with heightened pressure, he could have developed more his game-skills.

Warriors veteran Draymond Green reveals the moment he believes marked the start of Ben Simmons’ decline

In the 2020-21 season, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Atlanta Hawks in a nail-biting seven-game series. Ben Simmons shined with his creativity, averaging 13 assists and leading his team in that category. Yet, Draymond Green spotlighted a crucial moment late in the fourth quarter. Instead of taking an open dunk, Simmons passed to Matisse Thybulle, who was fouled, a decision that fueled discussions and highlighted a key turning point in the series.

“That play in real time — everybody in the building was like, ‘What — what the f*** is going on?” And then I was just like, ‘Did that just happen? Like, did he just do that?’. That was the beginning of the end for him,” he said, via All The Smoke podcast.

After the Atlanta Hawks clinched the victory, Ben Simmons garnered attention for scoring just 5 points, raising questions about his scoring prowess. In the same podcast, Draymond Green noted Simmons’ reluctance to attempt free throws, suggesting a confidence issue that severely impacted his game. At 29, this has influenced Simmons’ current predicament, as he remains unsigned by any team.

“If you put Paul George in that role as Klay Thompson, playing with Steph [Curry], Draymond Green, and [Andre] Iguodala… I think that Golden State probably wins more championships,” Patrick Beverley said, via The Pat Bev Show.

While many share Beverley’s opinion, Klay Thompson’s impact on the Warriors was crucial as he perfectly complemented Stephen Curry, enhancing the team’s overall performance. Although he was not a scoring leader, his impact in the clutch moments was crucial for the franchise. Also, his remarkable basketball IQ, which truly set him apart as he could contribute in many undervalued aspects such as the defensive side.

At his best version, Paul George stood out as a key player, excelling both offensively and defensively. A candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, he also averaged 28 points during the 2018-19 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite these achievements, his profile might not align with what the Warriors seek. Klay Thompson’s seamless synergy with Stephen Curry made him indispensable, making difficult to consider another player in his spot.

During their tenure with the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson shared the court for 666 NBA games, solidifying their status as integral components of Steve Kerr’s system. Their chemistry allowed them to play seamlessly, giving the team’s gameplay an effortless fluidity. Reflecting on this partnership in 2024, Curry candidly discussed the complexities surrounding his departure.

“But for me and Klay, there was always that level of trust and nonverbal communication on the court that we always could rely on and that’s built over time. The transition has been attached to not just Klay not being here but us trying to figure out what this specific team needs to be successful. It’s kind of all blended in together…, ‘Oh, this is where Klay would have been.’ Or ‘This is a play that we would have run.’,” Stephen Curry said, via NBC Sports.

Paul George may have been a more individually talented player than Klay Thompson at his peak, but talent alone does not ensure success within a franchise. It’s the synergy and collective balance that lead to titles. This is precisely why the Golden State Warriors thrived. Their formidable trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson made a significant impact, propelling the team to four NBA championships.

On his X account, Patrick Beverley reposted a video showcasing Luka Doncic’s plays with the Dallas Mavericks against Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, adding, “Toughest person I ever had to guard. Sheesh.” Despite having departed the NBA in 2024 to join Hapoel Tel Aviv, he enjoyed an illustrious 12-year career in the league. During this tenure, he frequently faced Doncic at his peak, creating lasting memories of intense on-court battles.

Luka Doncic burst onto the playoff scene during the 2019–20 season with the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing his immense talent and poise. In his inaugural playoff appearance, he made an undeniable impact against Patrick Beverley’s Los Angeles Clippers.

The young superstar displayed his all-around game by averaging an impressive 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over the six-game series. At just 21 years old, Doncic proved that he could command the stage on one of basketball’s biggest platforms.

Beverley first faced Luka in the 2019 –20 season, but their rivalry did not end there. They squared off again in the 2020–21 season. The Dallas Mavericks ended up on the losing side once more, yet Doncic impressed with another stellar performance. In a 2022 ESPN interview, even Patrick acknowledged his prowess, saying, “I just faced him (Luka Doncic) last year. Boy was cooking me.”

Since their first encounter on the court, Patrick has openly admired Luka Doncic, predicting the young star will shatter numerous league records. However, Patrick wisely pointed out that such achievements hinge on his health and physical condition. Despite facing criticism over his fitness, Doncic committed to a transformative regimen, emerging leaner and better conditioned for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Following his surprising departure from the Mavericks, the Slovenian phenom dedicated himself to regaining his peak form. After posting an impressive average of 28.2 points per game in the 2024-25 season, Lakers fans eagerly anticipate Doncic not only surpassing the 30-point mark but also leading them to a title and clinching his first MVP award.

“The Laker fans, the real ones, they know basketball because they’ve seen it a lot, they’ve been through it a lot,” Patrick Beverley said during an interview on The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone. “What they don’t understand is their effect on making their own team better. They talk so bad about their players that they actually decrease their value.”

Beverley’s comments came in the wake of a controversial trade between the Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets, which saw Los Angeles acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, while sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to New York.

Patrick emphasized the challenges the Lakers face in trade negotiations. “If you want to make a trade with the Lakers, ain’t nobody just giving you (expletive),” he stated. “Any trade you have has to be that somebody goes, ‘No, we want this, and we want this.’ Obviously because you’re the Lakers, no one’s trying to help the Los Angeles Lakers when it comes to trades, management-wise, or getting players that they want back.”

He further explained how opposing teams raise their expectations when dealing with the Lakers. “Okay cool, we know you guys want this guy? He’s a second-round pick to every other team, but to the Lakers, he’s two first-round picks, (expletive) it. No one’s trying to help the Lakers,” said the NBA All-Defensive First Teamer in 2017.

Beverley’s perspective

Beverley’s insights come from his extensive experience in the NBA and overseas. Although drafted by the Lakers in 2009, he only played for the team briefly during the 2022-23 season. His career includes stints with the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as professional experience in Ukraine, Greece, and Russia. This wide-ranging background gives Beverley a unique understanding of the NBA’s dynamics and the Lakers’ distinctive challenges.

The results of the Lakers’ recent trade

The early results of the Lakers’ latest trade appear mixed. In his debut with the team, Dorian Finney-Smith logged 20 minutes in a 122-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing just two points, two assists, and two rebounds.

Conversely, D’Angelo Russell made an immediate impact in his debut for the Brooklyn Nets. The 28-year-old guard shone in a 130-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors, scoring 22 points, dishing out eight assists, and grabbing two rebounds in just 26 minutes. In his second game, Russell was promoted to the starting lineup against the Milwaukee Bucks, signaling his importance to the Nets under head coach Jordi Fernandez.

During a conversation on social media star Neon’s stream, Patrick Beverley was asked about the best passer he’s played with in his NBA career. The 36-year-old point guard didn’t hesitate: “James Harden, not even close,” he stated. However, he followed up with a blunt critique, adding, “But Paul George is the worst.”

Beverley elaborated on his assessment, breaking down the differences between Harden and George. “The basketball, they have lines on them right, usually guys like to line the ball up, they like to put you know how you’re taught. Put fingertip on black on the line and you just release it.” he explained. Praising Harden’s precision, Beverley added, “With James Harden, you never had to fix the laces. They came already fixed.”

The critique of Paul George was far less flattering. “But with Paul George, he throw that (expletive), you don’t know fast it is. It looks slow, but you catch it fast, and it’s spinning the other way, so you got to catch it with a guy closing out on you. You gotta fix it, fix it again, then shoot it.” Beverley said, taking another swipe at his former Clippers teammate.

Beverley targets Paul George

Patrick Beverley’s critique of Paul George didn’t stop with a comparison to James Harden’s passing. During the interview, Neon commented, “Paul George is cool, but he’s only averaging 16 a game right now… But he’s great, though. Unguardable.”

Beverley’s response was blunt and surprising. “Great is a strong word,” he said, before adding, “He’s good. He’s struggling.” Beverley is clearly unimpressed with George’s performance since joining the Philadelphia 76ers: he averages 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 17 games.

Beverley’s familiarity with George and Harden

Beverley’s sharp critique stems from firsthand experience. Having played in the NBA for over a decade, he has shared the court with numerous stars. He teamed up with James Harden on the Houston Rockets from 2013 to 2018, gaining a deep appreciation for Harden’s precision and skill.

Later, Beverley joined Paul George on the Los Angeles Clippers from 2019 to 2021. Judging by his comments, Beverley’s time with George left a far less favorable impression. His remarks suggest that he was not overly impressed with George’s contributions during their two years as teammates.

Three-time All-Defensive Team member Patrick Beverley, during an episode of The Pat Bev Podcast, shared his thoughts on how difficult it is to guard Doncic and predicted that the Mavericks star is on pace to break several NBA records.

“[He’s] 6’7″, 6’8″. [You] can’t put a classic point guard on him because [they’re] too small,” Beverley said. “Can’t put a classic two-guard on him because [they’re] too small. Can’t put the three on him because if you do, you’ll have to switch the 3-5 pick-and-roll, and now he’s just attacking your five all day.”

Beverley added, “He’s gonna break a lot of records, obviously, given health and the longevity of his career. At the pace he’s going, he’s gonna break a lot of records.”

Mark Cuban reveals how Doncic, Irving led Mavs to the Finals

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently offered some insights into how the partnership between Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led Dallas to the Finals during his appearance on The Roommates Show. Cuban explained that the key to their success was building chemistry in the offseason.

“It was like, okay, let’s just take the summer and figure things out,” Cuban shared. “By the time training camp rolled around, they learned how to play together. [Head coach Jason Kidd] did a great job managing two high-level talents, and we were able to make it work.”

Cuban highlighted how the bond between Doncic and Irving positively impacted the rest of the team. “Not only did they figure out how to play off each other, but they elevated everyone around them,” Cuban said. “Guys like PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively all saw improvements. It was special to watch how they lifted the entire squad.”

In an interview with Complex, Shaq didn’t hold back when asked who he thought was the worst player in NBA history. Without hesitation, he named Rudy Gobert. “If you sign a contract for $250 million, show me $250 million,” O’Neal said. “I played for about $120 million. Guys like [Gobert] are messing up the system. They’re making all this money and can’t f— play.”

On the latest episode of The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone, former Lakers guard Patrick Beverley came to Gobert’s defense, stating that the French center is far from the worst player in the league. “Rudy’s not the worst player in the NBA. I think he’s changed the game defensively when you talk about rim protection—statistically and historically.”

“In Rudy’s eyes, and in his team’s eyes, he’s the best defensive player in the world—and that’s the truth,” Beverley added. “When it comes to rim protection and shot-blocking, he’s historically one of the greats.”

Beverley explains reason for Shaq’s criticisms

Co-host Rone asked Beverley why he thought Shaq made such harsh comments about Gobert, and Beverley offered some insight into O’Neal’s tendency to be tough on fellow centers. “We’re talking about Superman—one of the most dominant players to ever play the game,” Beverley explained. “Shaq probably thinks if he were Gobert’s size, he’d be doing what he did, and more.”

“Not everyone is Shaq. He had the same issues with Dwight Howard. At that time, Dwight was the best big man in the league. I just think Shaq is a tough critic when it comes to guys who play his position.”

Gobert’s response to Shaq

Gobert took the high road in response to Shaq’s criticism, addressing the situation calmly on social media. “It’s sad to see someone who has accomplished as much as you did, @SHAQ, in both sports and business, still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments,” Gobert posted. “I get the entertainment part, but unlike others, you don’t need that to stay relevant.”

Patrick Beverley‘s surprise choice of Victor Wembanyama as the NBA’s best player, ahead of even LeBron James, who just won Olympic gold, is a bold and unexpected statement. This choice may reflect a changing of the guard in the NBA, where a new generation of stars is emerging and challenging the dominance of more established players.

Wembanyama, who was selected with the first pick of the 2023 Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, had an impressive rookie season and helped France win the silver medal at the Paris Olympics. His ability to play multiple positions and his mastery of the game make him a unique player in the NBA.

On a recent episode of his podcast, Beverley ranked the league’s best centers, but Wembanyama didn’t make the list. “He’s not a five,” Beverley said. “He’s everything. You can’t even put him in comparison with other people. He’s the best player in the NBA next year. He’s a center who shoots threes and dribbles the ball.”

Wembanyama: Injury concerns

Despite his exceptional talent, Wembanyama’s main concern is his health. Due to his height and physical build, there is a risk of injury. However, the young player is taking the necessary steps to take care of his body and minimize risks.

“Just because you’re 7’4″ doesn’t make you a center,” Beverley said. “We’re talking about guys who are centers, who come out and set screen-and-rolls. None of the guys we’re naming come up and shoot hesi-pull threes, maybe [Joel] Embiid a little bit, but that’s it. It’s not fair to give him a position. He’s an alien, he’s positionless.”

The future of Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama has a bright future ahead of him. With his talent and skill, he is expected to become one of the best players in the NBA in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how his development continues and how he impacts the San Antonio Spurs’ game.

But the team was able to rally together. Darvin Ham and Rob Pelinka made some moves, and those tweaks helped them reach the Western Conference Finals against all odds.

Nonetheless, Philadelphia 76ers guard Patrick Beverley believes Ham didn’t do a good job with his lineups, and he even blamed him for Russell Westbrook’s struggles.

Patrick Beverley Calls Out Darvin Ham

“They should’ve started me, Austin [Reaves], [Russell Westbrook], [LeBron James], and [Anthony Davis],” he said on Gil’s Arena. “All the beef about Russ, maybe none of that happens… It’s ways that you have to operate your team without over-managing it, or over-coaching it. Sometimes you just have to put the dominoes out there.”

“I thought it was. I thought it was bad for Russ. He was the heartbeat of the team,” Beverley added.

It’s hard to point the finger at just one or two players, but the Lakers did fare much better once they were both gone. It wasn’t a matter of effort; they just weren’t a good fit for the team.

The veteran guard opted into a player option this summer but only to get traded, after the Sixers didn’t offer him a max contract extension. Recently, he made it clear his relationship with Daryl Morey is broken.

The situation may be uncomfortable for those on the team who want Harden to stay. Pat Bev was one of the players who asked the guard to reconsider his decision, but now there’s not much he can do.

Patrick Beverley understands ‘both sides’ on Sixers-Harden drama

“Obviously, he’s entitled to feel any way loss when he’s promised things, and on Daryl’s behalf, no matter what, his job is to get the best product for as cheap as possible. That’s his job. That’s the name of the game. You’re a GM, you’re a president, you’re trying to get a bunch of great product and a bunch of great product for at least as possible, and I think we’re in the middle of that right now. Obviously, it’s not a good look media-wise, organizational-wise,” Beverley said on his The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone, via Sixers Wire.

“Obviously, a guy like Nick Nurse who’s just starting out coaching, it’s not a good setup for him…it’s hard to mix business with friends because someone’s gonna get hurt down the line if things aren’t going your way and you don’t want that to be to a point where you guys don’t even have a relationship anymore.

“So I understand both sides. I definitely understand both sides. Saying all these players in this league, you get a ton of money. Obviously, you understand the player side, because I’m a player. I’m always gonna be on the player side and also doing business with friends too. I’ve done business with friends that haven’t worked out to my liking and then you have to end relationships because of that. So, I understand both sides. It’s just an unfortunate situation.”

Beverley understands Harden has made up his mind and there’s no turning back on this situation. Now, it may be just a matter of time before the Sixers find a team that meets their asking price for Harden.

Though they still have a competitive roster, losing The Beard could take a toll on their championship hopes. Even with his inconsistent performances, his presence gives them reasons for optimism.

That’s why the Sixers are reportedly trying to change his mind before they agree on any deal with another team. Patrick Beverley and Joel Embiid, meanwhile, also hope to convince Harden to stay.

Patrick Beverley and Joel Embiid hope James Harden stays in Philadelphia

“Obviously, players are here to play,” Beverley said, via SixersWire. “That decision is definitely above my pay grade, but you can’t re-do a James Harden. … James I love you, bro. Stay! But yeah, James is a really good friend of mine. A really, really, really good friend of mine. … One of my decisions just coming here is because James Harden is here. So I hope he stays. I hope that everybody can kind of work something out and put that behind us and kind of move forward. I think it’s important.”

Pat Bev made it clear how much he wants to play next to Harden in the City of Brotherly Love, while Embiid admitted he’d love to continue having Harden by his side but will respect any decision he makes:

“I want him to come back, obviously, so we can go out and accomplish what we want which is to win a championship so hopefully, that his mindset can be changed, but other than that, I’m just happy to be his friend. We’re close and we’ve grown since he got here and that’s what I’m excited about. I’m excited to keep that friendship for the rest of our lives.”

It remains to be seen whether Harden finds a new home, since Ime Udoka reportedly doesn’t want him in Houston. Only time will tell whether he ultimately listens to his teammates and changes his mind.