Former Rockets fan favorite and defensive specialist Patrick Beverley nearly made a comeback with Houston this offseason.
Patrick Beverley recently shared on a livestream his close call with rejoining the Rockets after working out with the team for the past few weeks. Despite his eagerness, a tight salary cap prevented his reunion with the franchise where he made his NBA debut at 24 years old.
Beverley, known for his tenacious defense, had an impressive 12-year career in the league, including stints with the Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Although never a star player, Beverley’s contributions as a role-player were highly valued, with one of his standout seasons being in 2017-18 with the Clippers.
The Rockets’ financial constraints made it challenging to secure Beverley’s return, as the team needed to stay under the salary cap apron. A veteran minimum deal of $2.3 million would have exceeded their remaining cap space, prompting them to pass on the opportunity to bring back the energetic guard.
After going undrafted, Beverley played overseas before making his mark in the NBA. His gritty style of play and defensive prowess endeared him to fans in Houston during his five-year tenure with the team.
Despite the near-miss with the Rockets, Beverley remains a respected figure in the league, having played for a total of five teams in his final three seasons. His passion for the game and relentless work ethic have solidified his reputation as a valuable teammate and competitor.