Patrick Beverley On Why He Signed With Hapoel Tel Aviv BC
Patrick Beverley has made headlines by signing with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC of the Israeli Basketball Premier League, a decision that has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike. Beverley, known for his tenacious defense and competitive spirit, explained his rationale behind the move during his “Pat Bev Pod” social media feed, stating:
“If someone wants to pay you to play basketball at a high level, man, go hoop. I’m not about to be at home in September, October posting workout videos.”
The move comes after Beverley received interest from NBA teams like the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets, who offered him a veteran’s minimum contract. However, Beverley opted for the challenge and opportunity presented by Hapoel Tel Aviv. Christos Tsaltas highlighted that Beverley’s decision was influenced by the potential to compete for the Israel League and Eurocup titles, indicating that the competitive allure and the chance to win were significant factors.
Beverley, 36, is no stranger to international basketball, having started his professional career overseas before making his mark in the NBA. He played in Ukraine, Greece, and Russia before joining the Houston Rockets in the 2012-13 season. His experience in different basketball environments likely contributed to his comfort with the idea of returning to an international league.