The Milwaukee Bucks acquire feisty guard Patrick Beverley at the trade deadline

The Bucks finally shore up their perimeter defense with this acquisition.

Jonas Panerio | Feb 9, 2024

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Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks' perimeter defense has been abysmal this season, which has been a huge reason why the team ranks in the bottom half of the league regarding points allowed per game and defensive rating. However, Milwaukee took a step to rectify that, acquiring veteran guard Pat Beverley from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for reserve guard Cam Payne.

Feisty, in-your-face guard

The 35-year-old brings a wealth of experience and his usual tenacity and defensive prowess to a Bucks squad that desperately needs it. Beverley, known for his in-your-face style of defense, will provide valuable depth behind starting guards Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley.

Beverley has made a name for himself as a pesky defender who isn't afraid to get physical on the court. Standing at only 6-foot-2, the Arkansas native often gives up size to his opponents but makes up for it with his relentless energy and quick hands. This attitude has earned him the nickname "Mr. 94 Feet" for his ability to hound opposing players all over the court.

Beverley is averaging 6.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season. This development reunites him with Doc Rivers, a man he played for during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Dame and Pat Bev are officially teammates 👀 pic.twitter.com/5DHSNgZOil
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 8, 2024

Reliable backup

Beverley isn't the player he once was during his time with the Houston Rockets and the Clippers, but he's a reliable backup guard who provides toughness and grit to a Bucks team with the NBA title in its sights.

Although Pat hasn't shot the ball well from long distance in the last two seasons, his career mark of 37 percent suggests he can still knock down threes when needed. This will prove valuable with the amount of defensive attention Bucks superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard get on a nightly basis.