Giannis Antetokounmpo once had an ugly opinion of new Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley, but he’s had a change of heart.
The Bucks acquired the veteran point guard last month from the Philadelphia 76ers at the NBA trade deadline in exchange for Cameron Payne and a 2027 second-round pick.
The 35-year-old Beverley has a reputation as a tough, relentless defender who sometimes is too physical and aggressive. He’s rubbed many players the wrong way, and Antetokounmpo admits he’s felt that way in the past.
After the Bucks knocked off the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday, a reporter asked the two-time NBA MVP how it felt having Beverley as a teammate.
Antetokounmpo offered some praise, with a disclaimer.
“He’s one of those guys that — sorry for my language — that you say, ‘he’s an A-hole,'” Antetokounmpo said.”But when he plays on your team, like, ‘that’s my a-hole.’ You know?”
Antetokounmpo had to pause for reporters’ laughter to taper off before continuing his “tribute” to Beverley.
“And I love him. We love playing with him,” he said. “He’s a leader. He knows how to play the game. He’s a winner.”
"He's one of those guys that — Sorry for my language — that you say, 'he's an A-hole.' But when he plays on your team, like, 'that's my a-hole.' You know? And I love him. We love playing with him. He's a leader, he knows how to play the game. He's a winner."
Giannis… pic.twitter.com/nR8F5u95HZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 10, 2024
“I’ve been playing against him for a lot of years now, and I don’t think I ever liked playing against him,” Antetokounmpo said. “Having him on your own team makes everything easier for us.”
Beverley, who has earned first- or second-team all-NBA Defensive Team honors three times, is averaging 5.5 points in his 13 games with the Bucks.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.