After spending 12 seasons in the league, the last of which was with the Milwaukee Bucks, veteran guard Patrick Beverley is leaving the NBA to play in Israel. While some may think that money is the sole factor for his decision, there’s more than meets the eye about his surprising decision.
Beverley recently announced that he is leaving the league to sign with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC in Israel’s Premier League. The 36-year-old guard, a three-time NBA All-Defensive selection, has built a reputation for himself as a gritty and confrontational player over the course of his career.
Beverley split the 2023-2024 season between the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee, averaging 6.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 73 games. Over his career, Beverley has posted averages of 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals while suiting up for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Sixers, and Bucks.
The move to Israel represents a significant shift for the experienced NBA journeyman, who has been traded seven times since 2017 and a total of nine times in his career. This decision to leave the league and continue his professional career overseas highlights the evolving landscape of basketball talent distribution around the world.
Why Patrick Beverley Chose to Leave the Milwaukee Bucks and Play in Israel Instead
Beverley’s decision to leave the NBA has led to various individuals reacting to the matter, including former champion Dwight Howard. The real reason, though, can be seen in a tweet Christos Tsaltas posted on his X account.
“Patrick Beverley met with Hapoel Tel Aviv’s owner in Las Vegas, according to @SportalgrG source. He get everything he asked for and he accepted Hapoel’s offer for 2 years (1+1). He wanted to be impactful in a winning team and that was a big reason behind his decision. #Eurocup,” Tsaltas tweeted.
The controversial guard joins a list of NBA players who left the league to play in Israel over the years. Some of these guys include Amar’e Stoudamire, Norris Cole, and Jordan Farmar, among others.
For the next two years, Israeli basketball fans will get to see Beverley on a constant basis, along with all his antics on the court. Hopefully, the veteran guard gets to have a fulfilling stay there.
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