Patrick Beverley Says JJ Redick Was Disloyal to Doc Rivers in Viral Video

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 21, 2024

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The war of words between Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley and former NBA sharpshooter JJ Redick isn’t simmering anytime soon.

On the Pat Bev Pod, Beverley responded affirmatively when asked whether Reddick had been “disloyal” to former head coach Doc Rivers with his pointed criticism Tuesday on First Take.

Pat Bev Pod @PatBevPodPat Bev & Richard Jefferson expand on JJ Redick’s comments about Doc Rivers pic.twitter.com/FGkSCmltr8

This saga began Tuesday morning when Redick reacted to Rivers’ comments lamenting the timing of his arrival in Milwaukee amid a 3-7 start to his tenure. Redick said Rivers, whom he played under for four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, was “making excuses” and that “there’s never accountability with that guy.”

That drew the attention of another player who had first-hand experience with Rivers. Beverley went on X and asserted the 62-year-old “saved” Redick’s career during the 2013 offseason.

Patrick Beverley @patbev21This Man Doc actually saved your career. Started you when no one else wanted 2. And u retire go on TV and say that. @jj_redick

Redick landed with the Clippers in a three-team trade headlined by Eric Bledsoe that summer and promptly signed a four-year contract with Los Angeles. He responded to Beverley by saying he had an equally attractive offer on the table at the time:

JJ Redick @jj_redickPat my guy I had a four year offer with player option for the same money to be a starter for a different team. FOH “saved my career”. https://t.co/5lXowm2j8e

Austin Rivers, Doc’s son, struck a similar tone Tuesday on NBA Today. He said Redick’s “best years were with the Clippers,” so the criticism was “ironic and kinda weird.”

The back-and-forth illustrates the difficult balance former athletes can face when they embark on a media career. They’re expected to maintain some level of objectivity, and that can occasionally mean offering what are tough critiques about a one-time coach or colleague.

Ultimately it’s not Redick’s job to be loyal to Rivers now that he’s working for ESPN.