Patrick Beverley joins Greek club amid serious legal issues
Former NBA standout Patrick Beverley has made headlines again, though not for his on-court prowess. The 37-year-old guard, who began the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, has officially signed with Greek basketball team PAOK BC. The announcement came through a press release from the club, highlighting Beverley’s extensive experience and distinguished career in the NBA.
“We welcome to the big PAOK family a very experienced and high-quality player, with a distinguished career in the NBA, with 11 years of presence in the best league in the world,” the team stated, expressing enthusiasm for their new acquisition.
Legal troubles overshadow career transition
However, this transition comes amid serious allegations against Beverley. In mid-November, he was arrested and charged with felony assault following an incident labeled by police as “family violence.” The arrest took place at his mother’s residence in Rosharon, Texas. Beverley faces accusations from his teenage sister, who reported that he had grabbed her by the neck and struck her in the eye during a confrontation.
In response to these developments, Beverley shared a statement from his attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, asserting his commitment to his sister and denying the portrayal of events. “Patrick Beverley has no criminal record. He cares deeply about his little sister — a young lady, a minor,” the statement read. It continued, “When he unexpectedly found her alone in the home with an 18-year-old man in the middle of the night, he was understandably concerned, as any brother would be. However, we don’t believe what followed happened the way it’s been described and we look forward to the opportunity to address that in court.”
As of now, Beverley’s initial court appearance is scheduled for December 15, but details regarding the outcome or any potential rescheduling remain undisclosed.
A decade-plus in the NBA
Beverley’s basketball journey spans 12 seasons in the NBA. He began his professional career overseas, playing five years in Ukraine, Greece, and Russia before signing with the Houston Rockets in 2013. After a successful stint in Houston, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he became a key defensive player over four seasons. His career also includes tenures with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Notably, Beverley is a three-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team, showcasing his talents as a tenacious defender. He played 23 games for Hapoel Tel Aviv before his latest signing, averaging 9.4 points per game in league play and 10.7 points in EuroCup competition.
Looking ahead
As the Greek Basketball League season is already in full swing, PAOK BC is set to play on Saturday at 6 a.m. PST. It remains uncertain when Beverley will make his debut with the team, as he navigates both his legal troubles and this new chapter of his professional life.
