Pat Bev shares Mike Miller cost him his spot on the 'Big 3' Heat: "I'm out of the league that fast because Miller decided to be all-defensive one day"
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Despite going undrafted, guard Patrick Beverley has carved out a substantial 12-year NBA career as a tough, gritty player willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. The 6-foot-2 guard out of Arkansas has played for seven teams, most recently the Milwaukee Bucks this past season.
However, not many know that the man known as "Mr. 94 Feet" could have played for the Miami Heat squad that featured the "Big 3" of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh in 2010. However, an unfortunate injury to Mike Miller stripped him of the precious opportunity.
An unknown player looking to make his mark
Despite playing well for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Pat didn't get much attention from NBA teams. However, Beverley was invited to the Heat's training camp, where he impressed coaches and officials, resulting in him getting a contract.
The feisty guard was beside himself with the development. He would not only get to play in the NBA but also share the floor with some of the best players in the league.
"Signed with the Heat. God damn, I'm in the NBA. It's official. Practicing, practicing," Pat said on his podcast. "Mind you, LeBron is there. I'm part of that team. I'm ecstatic. Damn, I'm on the Heat. LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and D Wade are here. I signed the contract. Damn, I'm really a part of this."
Unfortunate turn of events
Fate, though, had other plans for the Chicago native. As the Heat proceeded with a drill, Pat relayed that head coach Erik Spoelstra asked the team who would step up and defend LeBron, who was having his way with any defender who stood in his path.
"Practice, we do a three-on-three drill. Nobody can't stop LeBron. He's having his way. Spo goes, 'Someone step up and guard LeBron.' Mike Miller goes, "I got him, Coach." Everybody's looking like, 'The f**k?'" Pat Bev quipped.
As the drill continued, Miller injured his thumb trying to guard James. The injury turned out severe and sidelined the former Florida star for several weeks, leaving the Heat without a suitable wingman, as Wade was still recovering from a strained right hamstring. To address their roster situation, the Heat had to cut someone to make room for a wingman—who turned out to be Jerry Stackhouse. As for the player who got cut, it turned out to be Pat Bev.
"They need a bigger guard. They cut the guy who makes the least on the contract—me. I'm out. Out of the league that fast, That's it, because Mike Miller all of a sudden wanted to be all-defensive one day," Pat said, evident with his frustration.
Pat eventually went to play in Russia before getting another shot at the NBA in 2012 with the Houston Rockets. He has not been out of the league ever since, making a name for himself as one of the league's premier defensive stalwarts, making the All-Defense team three times in his career.