Patrick Beverley has officially put pen to paper for the Chicago Bulls and is locked in to play the final 23 games of this season as they make a desperate push for the postseason. Two games out of the play-in tournament, Chicago's long road ahead begins Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets, where Beverley will debut for his hometown franchise. After taking his first steps in the Bulls' facilities yesterday, stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, and head coach Billy Donovan, weighed in on their newest backcourt member.
"You Know What He Brings"
Zach LaVine had glowing reviews for the Bulls' newest signing, saying that the 11-year veteran point guard is someone he's been trying to recruit to the Windy City for several years and that the two used to share an agency.
"He's the type of player you hate playing against, but love as a teammate, you know what he brings,"..."It's great to have a guy like that. We need a spark, anything we could, pat's a guy who can fill a lot of roles and we're thankful to have him"
Zach LaVine via @DarnellMayberry on Twitter
On the 'Pat Bev Pod' aired on Monday night, Beverley mentioned that he'd give LaVine "the energy he needs," among other raves about his new teammate, and this is the first time hearing LaVine's reaction since the signing. Beverley also pulled LaVine aside and gave him confident words of encouragement regarding his role in Chicago for the team to succeed.
This is music to Bulls fans' ears as LaVine ranks top-ten in the league in catch-and-shoot percentage and has been required to play more on-ball offense than he's used to. Most of his issues this season have stemmed from his lackluster turnovers and slow decision-making skills from a playmaking perspective. His game is undoubtedly more catered to a shooting guard role and playing without the rock in his hands. Something that Lonzo Ball was able to prove a year ago, and comparing LaVine's numbers to last year, Beverley could reignite a 2021-22' All-Star version of the former UCLA shooting guard. Friday night will be an exciting preview of what could return to a dominant Bulls' backcourt duo, similar to the one they boasted for much of last year with Ball and LaVine side-by-side.
"No Question He Has A Role Here"
Head coach Billy Donovan also took his turn raving about their newest point guard, saying that Beverley is a "winning guy" and that there's certainly a place for him on this team. It's refreshing to hear that many of the hometown veteran's most desired qualities are things the Bulls have lacked this season. Toughness, leadership, accountability, fierce competitive spirit, and a relentless will to win are the repeated terms that have described him over his entire decade-long career and continue to reign true to this day.
"He's a winning guy, he wants to win. That's important to him he's highly competitive,"..."He's very bright and very smart, he's going to be able to impact and help our group, a vocal leader who understands what winning basketball looks like and is supposed to be."
Billy Donovan via @DarnellMayberry on Twitter
Donovan also discussed where he'd fit in the rotation and didn't have an exact answer yet. Considering they've only held one practice with their newest buyout market addition, it's understandable that Beverley's role will be solidified in the coming weeks. It can be assumed that Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, Coby White, and Goran Dragic will all assume a lesser role to make room for Beverley. Dalen Terry will likely be removed from the rotation entirely or possibly see spot minutes if the backcourt is in foul trouble or has injury woes.
If one were to be removed from the lineup entirely, the best guess is Dragic. Given his defensive weaknesses, mediocre playmaking ability, and three-point shooting that has tapered off since his hot start to the season, there's nothing he brings to the floor that Beverley or the previously mentioned guards would supply in his absence.
Old-School Type Player
"He's an elite competitor, and it's hard to find guys who competes at such an elite level. You see what he brings to every team he goes to. A different type of energy, leadership, you gotta rally behind a guy like that, he do a lot of talking like the old school days, I love that,"..."He's pushing you to want to be great, I would love to play with any type of player like that."
DeMar DeRozan via @DarnellMayberry on Twitter
The leaders in the locker room are usually the most crucial when it comes to accepting and embracing new additions, especially mid-season. DeRozan's had many personal battles on the court with Beverley, but as two fierce competitors, he mentions their respect and admiration for one another. This move will also shift DeRozan back to a more off-ball role until late-game scenarios, a role he excelled in a season ago, ranking in the top five in MVP consideration with a similarly constructed lineup alongside Lonzo Ball.
He also gave an update on the hip injury that held him out of the final two games leading into the break, over which he only appeared in the All-Star game for 16 minutes, scoring 8 points in the winning effort for Team Giannis.
This week has had a different feel in Chicago. The buzz surrounding Beverley and the boatloads of energy that he brings, this team has a new vibe to them, and it's exciting to witness. They'll put the veteran addition to the test tomorrow night as they host the Brooklyn Nets in the United Center in the first of two Eastern Conference visitors over the weekend.
Bulls nation, is there newfound hope to make something out of nothing, or will this season continue to spiral downward and end in the same disappointing fashion it's gone all year?
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