"You pay him, you give Doc a chance to do his thing" - 3x NBA All-Defensive selection wants Philadelphia 76ers to support Doc Rivers and run it back
The Philadelphia 76ers' 2021-22 NBA season ended in disappointment, but Patrick Beverly believes James Harden and Doc Rivers should be given another chance.
There has been an ongoing debate on whether the Philadelphia 76ers should offer James Harden a contract extension based on his performance, and Patrick Beverley thinks he deserves one. He also thinks keeping Doc on as the head coach is something worth considering.
The veteran head coach has been linked with a move to the LA Lakers only if he becomes available. His availability was also reportedly dependent on how the team performed in the playoffs.
Many have given their opinion on what the Sixers should do concerning Harden and Doc, mostly negative, but Beverly believes they could make a few changes during the offseason and run it back. On NBA Today with Malika Andrews, the three-time NBA All-Defensive guard said:
"You gotta let it see it through. As far as money-wise, you give the boy whatever he's asking for. Unfortunately, it might sound kinda crazy but there's no one in the league that can do what he can do still at this time right now. So, you pay him, you give Doc a chance to do his thing."
"Maybe you get more pieces. Maybe a defender here, maybe a pit bull dog type of guy this offseason, and see where the dominoes fall."
Harden was traded to the Sixers at the February 10 trade deadline in a deal that sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers looked like they won the trade as partnering the former NBA MVP with Joel Embiid was sure to cause fireworks.
Unfortunately, the Sixers failed to go past the second round in the 2022 NBA playoffs following a breakdown from their big two. They lost the series 4-2 as they looked gassed in Games 5 and 6.
Harden has been an incredible shooter throughout his career, winning three scoring titles in his 12-year NBA career. However, he is looking more like a creator, a role members of the Sixers organization are comfortable with.
Doc just finished his second of a five-year contract which he signed in 2020. His collapse in the playoffs has continued to haunt him, as he failed to advance past the second round for the second consecutive NBA year despite being the stronger team on paper.
Patrick Beverley has said he will lockdown James Harden
Patrick Beverley has moved around the league a lot but started his career with the Houston Rockets. He played with Harden from 2012 to 2017 before getting traded to the LA Clippers.
In a back-and-forth with a fan, he said:
"I'll lock his [Harden's] ass up, too."
However, he has not had much success defending the All-Star guard, which is perhaps the reason for his statement. On November 19, 2019, Harden dropped 47 points, with Beverley as his primary defender.
Beverley has held his own in the league, proving to be an intense defender. Although Russell Westbrook believes Pat Bev does not really play defense, the T'Wolves guard's activities can be disruptive.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a relatively successful season, reaching the 2022 NBA playoffs for the first time since 2018. Patrick Beverley played a significant role in their performance, bringing a certain level of competitive edge to the team.
Patrick Beverley was overcome with emotion after a hard-fought victory against his old squad. https://t.co/0CJ8DBPMME
The NBA All-Defensive guard finished the 2021-22 season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field.