Patrick Beverley compares Israeli league fame to LeBron James' NBA popularity: "I know how he feels"
It's no secret that LeBron James is the most popular player in the NBA, with 20 NBA All-Star appearances and some of the highest jersey sales in the league year in and year out.
After signing with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC in late July, Patrick Beverley feels he has caught a glimpse of such popularity in his first season playing overseas.
On Wednesday morning, Beverley spoke on his growing popularity during an episode of the Pat Bev Pod.
"I know how he [LeBron James] feels," Beverley said. "I leave games and the guys I play against want pictures and the coaches that I play against want pictures. The fans that I go against that boo me, I leave out and there's 30 kids outside and they all want pictures."
Beverley also noted how support from fans overseas is constant, regardless of the country he plays in.
"This is every country we go to. Today was a friendly game in Belgrade and I think I took 50 pictures," Beverley said on the show. "What I'm doing is appreciated, but to have kids and to have other players and have other coaches from the competing teams to be like, 'Yo Pat, I'm sorry but I need this pic bro', say less, it's been a vibe."
Beverley appears to be enjoying his time overseas so far and is soaking up all the fame and popularity as Tel Aviv's newest addition.
Patrick Beverley struggles in overseas debut with Tel Aviv
Patrick Beverley made his debut for Tel Aviv BC on Saturday, playing 15 minutes of the preseason matchup.
He struggled in his overseas debut though, notching just three points, all coming from the free-throw line. Despite his struggles, Beverley was made a focal point for spreading the ball around, racking up six assists in his 15 minutes of action.
The 36-year-old helped Tel Aviv get out to a 24-0 run in his first game overseas, running the offense as a member of the starting lineup. The former Los Angeles Clipper signed a $2 million deal with Tel Aviv and got some burn in the club's second preseason matchup.
Beverley played 12 years in the NBA, suiting up for the Houston Rockets, Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.
In his 12 seasons, Beverley made three NBA All-Defensive teams, averaging 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists.