Bucks Zone

Patrick Beverley on being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks: "I didn't see this coming"

Pat is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
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Patrick Beverley has moved from one team to another during his colorful NBA career. That’s why, for the feisty guard, being traded no longer surprises him.

That wasn’t the case when the 15-year veteran was moved from the Philadelphia Sixers to the Milwaukee Bucks during the trade deadline, as he admitted that he was caught by surprise when he was shipped to the Bucks in exchange for Cameron Payne.

“You know, NBA world, obviously, as a player, everything happens so fast. My time with the Sixers was great. I built some great relationships there. I was playing some of my best basketball I think I’ve ever played since I’ve been in the NBA. But obviously, you know, trade deadline, this was the only trade I was kind of surprised by. I didn’t see this coming,” said Beverley.

Pat is excited to play for the Bucks

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Beverley as the 42nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. His draft rights were acquired by the Miami Heat.

Milwaukee is Patrick’s seventh NBA team, and while he was surprised by the trade, he is excited for the opportunity to play for the Bucks. He showed his eagerness to play for Milwaukee when he immediately suited up a day after the trade, finishing with six points, four assists, and a rebound in the Bucks’ 120-84 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.

“This came way left field but I’m fortunate that at this age, I’m playing this type of basketball. Team still wants me so I’m very fortunate in that aspect but to leave Philly to a contender team, team that wants to win, team that is built to win, I'm fortunate, very fortunate,” Beverley said.

Patrick wants to win badly

Joining the Bucks halfway through the season poses a big adjustment, Beverley admitted. The pesky defender assured that he is ready to take on the challenge and help the Bucks fulfill their title aspirations.

“I think the basketball part is easy. For me the hardest part is like me going from locker room you know Philly, you know, heart and soul to new locker room and being me implementing my passion I have for the game, my IQ have for the game. It’s not a lot of time to practice a lot, it’s not a lot of time to kind of get to do everything on the go. Me coaching on the sidelines, giving my guys some advice. I might come off kind of strong because we don’t have a lot of time but I’m here to win. I’m here to win whatever it takes,” said the outspoken guard.

Beverley is known for having a strong personality and that wouldn’t change even if he is the newest guy in the Milwaukee room. He warned that he is not out to please people.

“The way I go about things, ’m not going to make everyone happy. I may upset some people the way I hold myself at a high standard and I expect everyone to do the same. My approach is very strong until you really get to know me but once you get to know me you understand ‘hey man, the only thing he does is want to win’,” said Beverley.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.