Positional Power Rankings: 30 best point guards in the NBA
By Connor Learn
Patrick Beverley
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Patrick Beverley has started alongside James Harden in Houston’s backcourt for four seasons now. For a lot of that time, critics thought that the Rockets needed an upgrade at his spot. Ty Lawson was even brought in to do just that, but lost his job to Beverley after just 11 games. Eric Gordon was brought in this summer, but just as a sixth man. As more and more time passes, it becomes more evident that he is the perfect compliment to Harden on the court.
Beverley makes his biggest difference on defense. He always draws the harder defensive assignment between the guards, where he is one of the peskiest defenders in the league. By doing so, Harden’s energy can be preserved for the offensive end, where he takes control while Beverley spots up for 3-pointers. He has shot 38.8 percent from deep this year, just south of his 40.0% mark from last year. Having a player as ball dominant as Harden creates even more of a need for the “3-and-D” type role players, and Beverley is one of the league’s best.
Playing next to Harden somewhat limits Beverley offensively, and he operates functionally as a shooting guard for most of his playing time. However, Houston has used Beverley as the primary ball-handler when Harden is on the bench more frequently this season. As a result, Beverley is on track to set a new career high for assists, with 4.2 per night. He would function as a point guard on most other teams and would likely do a fine job in the process.