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[Saba Sports News] In a segment on the Pat Bev podcast, longtime NBA veteran Patrick Beverley discussed his relationship with Paul George as a teammate. Beverley explained that he had to approach George differently compared to other teammates.
“With Lou Williams, I could be direct: ‘Hey, where the fk you at today, man? I need you out there!’ But with PG, I had to be encouraging: ‘Ay P, you missed, but that sh*t looked good! It was in and out!’ My approach was different. I couldn’t say, ‘Ay PG, make some motherfking shots! Hold your form!’ Instead, I’d say, ‘Next seven are going in, bro!'”
Paul George, known for his skills and talent, often faces criticism for perceived lack of accountability and consistency. Beverley emphasized that George is not the “tough love” kind of athlete; he thrives on support rather than harsh criticism. As a former Clippers teammate, Beverley found that boosting George’s confidence was more effective than confronting him with hard truths.
With the Clippers, George averaged 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 45% shooting. Despite his regular-season excellence, he struggled in the playoffs, failing to carry the team when needed most. Beverley suggested that George might have benefited from a teammate willing to challenge him more directly.
Now with the 76ers, George has one last chance to win a title alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Although he won’t be the main star, the pressure remains for him to perform as a 9x All-Star and future Hall-of-Famer. Meanwhile, Beverley will continue his motivational approach with the Milwaukee Bucks next season, aiming to get the best out of his teammates.