Patrick Beverley surprised by life at new French club
New chapter in France catches Beverley off guard
Patrick Beverley, the 38-year-old guard who spent more than a decade in the NBA, has been back in Europe since 2024 — and his latest stop has already produced some unexpected moments. After returning with Hapoel Tel Aviv and helping them capture the EuroCup, he spent time with PAOK before signing with Boulazac this summer. The French club is a much smaller operation than many teams he’s known, and that contrast has been eye-opening for him.
One of the first surprises was how quiet things felt on arrival — he noticed a lot of places, like restaurants, weren’t as open as he might have expected. Another big difference showed up when the team prepared to travel for a preseason friendly: instead of flying or taking a team car as he often did in the NBA, the squad booked a bus. Beverley said he was skeptical at first, but found the overnight bus came equipped with beds and a VIP bunk that turned out to be pretty comfortable.
From Europe to the NBA and back — his defensive legacy
Beverley’s journey actually began in Europe before his NBA break. After college at Arkansas he started his pro career overseas, spending time with a Ukrainian club and later playing in Greece and Russia. Those stints helped him earn a shot in the NBA with the Houston Rockets, where he quickly became known for his physical, high-energy perimeter defense.
He spent five seasons in Houston before moving on to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he enjoyed the best offensive numbers of his career, averaging about 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in his top season. Later stops included returns to Los Angeles, as well as time with Chicago, Philadelphia and Milwaukee, adding up to roughly 740 NBA appearances.
Defense has always been his calling card. He earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2017 and made the Second Team in both 2014 and 2020. His reputation dates back to Europe, too: he was recognized as a top defender in the Russian league in 2011 and took home a EuroCup MVP award in 2012.
Now back in the European club scene, Beverley looks relaxed about the switch to smaller-market life. The travel and amenities may be different, but he’s embracing the change and seems open to more surprises as he settles into French basketball.
