The Clippers Trade Guard Patrick Beverley

Sports — By Buddy Sampson on September 14, 2021 at 2:17 pm

By Buddy Sampson

The NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers made some moves on the off season, trading superstar guard Patrick Beverly to the Memphis Grizzlies along with Rajon Rondo and Daniel Oturu to the Memphis Grizzlies for guard Eric Bledsoe, his second go round as a Clipper.

In a Clippers’ press release, The Clipper organization expressed how it’s looking toward the future.  “We are excited to add Eric, a strong, versatile guard and an established playmaker who can attack the paint and defend multiple positions,” announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations. “Eric started his career with the Clippers and we’re delighted to bring him back.”

Patrick Beverley, who played four years with the team, was considered the heart and soul of the Clippers defense. “It’s always difficult to part with people we care about, respect and admire,” said Frank. “Pat has been a pillar of our team for the past four years. He helped build our foundation with his vocal leadership and competitive spirit. Pat played a vital role in some of our most significant achievements. We are grateful for his presence and for the contributions of Rajon, a premier orchestrator, and Daniel, a promising young center. We wish them the best.”

Beverley, 33, appeared in 177 games over the last four seasons with the Clippers, averaging 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc. The 6-foot-1 guard also appeared in 31 postseason games for the Clippers and averaged 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists. A native of Chicago, Ill., Beverley has been named to three All-Defensive teams and was the recipient of the 2016-17 NBA Hustle Award. Originally selected with the 42nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Beverley has appeared in 468 career NBA games, averaging 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals with the Houston Rockets and Clippers. In recent news, he was traded from the Memphis Grizzles to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rondo, 35, appeared in 18 games with the Clippers last season and averaged 7.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds. The 6-foot-1 guard is a two-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. A native of Louisville, Ky., he has appeared in 918 NBA games, averaging 10.0 points, 8.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He was ultimately dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Oturu, 21, appeared in 30 games for the Clippers last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds. The 6-foot-8 center played two seasons at the University of Minnesota, where he appeared in 66 games and averaged 15.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. The Woodbury, Minn., native was named to the 2019-20 Big Ten All-Defensive team and 2019-20 All-Big Ten Second Team.