The Milwaukee Bucks may not have made past the first round of the NBA Playoffs (again), but it was not from a lack of trying. Unfortunately, Damian Lillard was acquired too late in last year’s offseason for him to build on-the-court chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and the rest of the team. However, if 49 wins is this team’s floor after the team was tossed together last minute and after a midseason coaching change, well, there is reason to be optimistic in Milwaukee.

Apr 9, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) reacts after scoring a basket in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, there are plenty of questions surrounding the Bucks’ roster for next season. Both Giannis and Lillard have confirmed to the media that they will not play anywhere else next season. Any trade speculation involving either of their names is unwarranted.

Middleton’s heroics in the Pacers series, though the Bucks came up short, proved that he is still worth what Milwaukee is paying him and that he can be one of the NBA’s best third options. However, questions about the rest of the roster are not so easily answered.

Many of the Bucks’ players are hitting free agency and can only be replaced by other players that are willing to sign for the veteran minimum due to Milwaukee’s salary cap spending. One of these impending free agents is point guard Patrick Beverley.

Patrick Beverley Provided a Spark for the Milwaukee Bucks

Mar 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) shoots during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In an effort to give the Bucks a more diverse point guard and to improve the team’s overall defense (especially off the bench), Milwaukee acquired Beverley in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. In 26 regular season games with the Bucks, Beverley averaged 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 39/36/85 from the floor.

Beverley’s impact, though, went beyond the numbers in the stat sheets. His tough defense and trash-talk gave Milwaukee an edge that they did not have before he arrived.

Due to injuries in the NBA Playoffs, Beverley was inserted into the starting lineup and he upped his game. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 41/36/86 from the floor.

Patrick Beverley Makes a Social Media Post for Milwaukee Bucks Fans

Apr 23, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley (21) puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers in the first half during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Beverley, as fans know, has his fair share of critics among NBA players, coaches, fans, and analysts. His recent antics with Pacers fans at the end of the Bucks’ Game Six loss did not help his public image. Recent reports state that Indianapolis police are even looking into the incident.

Bucks fans, while not excusing Beverley’s behavior in Game Six, have embraced him and his personality (and his podcast) ever since he was acquired. The point guard took to social media to thank fans for that on Friday:

Beverley, as mentioned, will be a free agent once the NBA league year is over. If he is to return to Milwaukee, it will have to be on a veteran minimum deal, as mentioned previously.

Will his experience in Milwaukee, the chance to play with Giannis and Dame, and his history with Doc Rivers be enough to convince him to stay?

Time will tell.

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