LaVine is glad to have Pat Beverley on his side this time around.
Patrick Beverley was welcomed by his new team on Wednesday after the 10-year veteran signed with the Chicago Bulls. All-Star wingman Zach LaVine admitted recruiting the fiery point guard a few years ago, saying Beverley’s intensity—which constantly irks opponents—will be good for the Bulls as they try to make their way back into the NBA Playoffs.
“He’s somebody you hate to play against but love as a teammate,” said LaVine.
Bulls need Beverley’s mentality
LaVine says he and Beverley used to belong to the same management agency, and he’s been hollering at the Arkansas product to come and play for the Bulls ever since. His wish finally got granted earlier this week when Beverley chose to go to Chicago instead of Golden State after his contract was bought out by the Orlando Magic.
“I was trying to get Pat here at least a year or two ago. Been texting him. We used to be at the same agency. He’s somebody you hate to play against but love as a teammate. You know what he brings, the type of mentality he brings. We’ve been missing that,” LaVine said.
LaVine added that the team had not had a vocal leader since Thaddeus Young departed the team. Beverley’s addition would fill that void, as he’s known for being outspoken. He should also bring an immediate impact to Chicago’s defense.
“At this point in the season, where we’re trying to get back to where we need (to be), we need a spark. We needed anything we could. Pat is somebody who can fill a lot of different roles. So we’re just happy to have him,” said LaVine.
Beverley can do wonders for LaVine
Beverley certainly did not waste any time making an impact on LaVine. He emphasized to the former slam dunk champion that his primary job was to put the ball in the basket.
“I told him, ‘Your job here is not to pass at all. We don’t need you to pass. We need you to put the ball in the hole at an elite level.’ That’s my job to keep preaching on that,” Beverley said.
Beverley has had plenty of experience playing with elite scorers such as James Harden in Houston, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles, and LeBron James with the Lakers.
“The ones that want to be great, they respond well to it. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, I played with James Harden, Kawhi Leonard. I can get in their face and tell them, ‘Hey man, put the ball in the basket.’ And they respond well. And the guys who don’t aren’t the greats. I’m excited for that challenge and he is also,” Beverley said.
Source: si.com
