Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Beverley, G, Los Angeles Clippers
Not all options are flashy, especially when you’re talking about role players, and that certainly applies to Patrick Beverley. A temporary solution to the Suns’ lack of point guard talent that fits the ‘3-and-D’ mold could be Beverley. He is known for his relentless energy on the defensive end of the floor, but he does provide an impact to his team beyond just that.
Beverley played in only 11 games last season because of a torn ACL. During the 2016-17 season, he produced averages of 30.7 minutes, 9.5 points (42% FG, 38.2% 3P, 76.8% FT), 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.4 blocks, and 1.5 turnovers. These statistics were recorded when he played with the Houston Rockets alongside James Harden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIF7L29GGHs
Let’s start with Beverley’s calling card, which is certainly his defense. The magnitude of the difference between Beverley and what the Suns have to choose from at the point guard spot right now is massive. An upgrade of that kind at that spot in addition to the acquisition of Trevor Ariza could help them take a few noticeable steps forward on defense in their starting lineup.
It can be infectious for a group when someone plays with the level of passion that Beverley brings to the game. For a team that finished last in defensive rating (110.6) last season, it’s crucial that veterans are brought in to usher in a culture change that translates to much-needed growth. Going out and acquiring someone like Beverley would accomplish this aspect.
Beverley is not the most efficient of scorers because he is not a proficient playmaker, but he is a legitimately impactful spot-up threat and a significantly underrated passer. His impact as an off the dribble threat needs to come as a complementary talent within the flow of games. Booker would need to shoulder a heavy offensive load and grow as a facilitator.
When you factor in his passing possessions, Beverley was one of the more efficient offensive players during the 2016-17 season, whether the setting was in the half-court of transition. He could have a legitimately impactful skill-set for a supporting backcourt partner with Booker similar to how he did that during his time with Harden.
It is difficult to find a better bargain than Beverley for a temporary starting point guard role. He is entering the final year of his contract and is owed around only $5 million. The cost to re-sign him probably would not be that extensive if that is something that the Suns decided that they wanted to do.
It may not require all that much to acquire Beverley considering the current state of their franchise. DeAndre Jordan departed for the Dallas Mavericks and they now have no players within a reasonable threshold of being considered an All-NBA talent. Also, trading Beverley would clear more playing time for other guards like rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Next Up: D’Angelo Russell, G, Brooklyn Nets
