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Pat Beverley on what it means to contend for an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks
USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Beverley has never been a star, nor will he ever be one. A second-round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009, the 6-foot-2 guard has had to earn his ticket into the NBA after playing several years in professional leagues in Greece and Russia. He hasn’t looked back since, playing for seven NBA teams and earning spots on the league’s All-Defense teams three times.

What has eluded the veteran, though, is an NBA championship. With Beverley now in the twilight of his career, he hopes to tick off that box with the Milwaukee Bucks. And for him, it’s more than just a trophy or a ring – it’s validation for all his hard work and sacrifices.

Only thing left for PatBev

Beverley has had a heck of a career wherein he’s played with some of the NBA’s greatest superstars. From James Harden in Houston to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles to LeBron James in the Lakers, Bev has shared the floor with some of the best in the game. But his role has always been the same – to bring energy, hustle, and defensive tenacity, things the Bucks need to win a second title in the last four years.

“It’s the only thing for me, the only thing left for me,” Beverley said.

“Obviously, when it comes to IQ and knowing the game, I know it in and out, better than a lot of coaches. But what would seal it for me is a championship.”

Came up

The last time Beverley came close to making it to the NBA Finals was in 2021, when he and the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals against the Phoenix Suns. Alas, it was not meant to be, as they lost the series, 4-2, denying Pat a chance to compete for all the marbles.

His latest opportunity comes with a Bucks squad with superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge. With both players in their prime, Beverley knows this may be his best chance yet at a championship.

“I’ve earned a ton of money in this league. I’ve played with a ton of players, a ton of superstars. And right there, come up short. Injury here, come up short; 3-1 lead, come up short. To end this legacy, it’s a championship, the only thing,” Pat concluded.

This article first appeared on FanNation Bucks Zone and was syndicated with permission.

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