Patrick Beverley: Chicago's hometown hero

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: Patrick Beverley is what we all should be: a doer. Strangely enough, I’m one of those people who believes there’s a place and a space for all kinds of folks to succeed and contribute positively to our society. But not this time; this time, it’s different. We’ve seen him grow from a talented and determined youngster to a very talented and very determined man. He’s been on so many different teams, there’s no denying his heart and will to prove his worth to the world, because that’s not an easy task to embrace.

John: You’re right, Patrick. I remember reading about him in the papers when he was at Marshall High School on the West Side, and I was sold back then. If my memory is right, he averaged over 35 points a game.

Donald: 37.3. Just looked it up. Dang, dude was playing.

Russ: I was at the Roundball Classic his senior year at the United Center. Yep. It was Greg Oden, Mike Conley—

Donald: Both going to Ohio State.

Russ: Yep. Daequan Cook was even out there. And the one cat I remember the most: Patrick Beverley. Man, you talk about hustling and working—man, this lil’ dude was like on skates, moving that fast...but in control. It was absolutely amazing.

Patrick: It really was. And we all remember him when he was at Arkansas.

Donald: Of course. He did the do there.

John: SEC Freshman of the Year, second-team All-SEC honors—he was impressive.

Patrick: Then he decided to play overseas with, I’m sure, that determination I spoke of earlier, of getting to the NBA—and he did get back, signing with the Houston Rockets. And he continued to do the same things that got him there: the man hustled. And I don’t mean hustle in the sense of doing small jobs and getting inconsistent pay; no, I mean, the man worked hard and kept believing that he belonged. You talk about the lil’, uhm, engine that could!

Donald: The more we talk, the more it comes back to me. You’re right: Beverley has always strived—and succeeded—whenever he played. And I wouldn’t be shocked if that’s how he runs his life. He has become one of the—if not “the”—premiere one-on-one defenders in the game.

Russ: He may not score more than 9 points…

John: Or get more than 5 boards or assists…

Donald: But you know that dude was out there affecting the hell out of the game. Every game!

Russ: You ain’t never lied.

Patrick: I’ma tell y’all…I think Patrick Beverley coming to the L.A. Clippers in 2017, and hanging in there—with his feet on the floor—should’ve ended with a championship at some point.

Donald: They almost did.

Patrick: I know, but, to me, he’s one of those players who’s crucial in helping the bigger guys win championships.

John: And he also shows the world what teamwork means.

Patrick: Speak!

Donald: I got this: Patrick Beverley, you the man.

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