“Part of me was pissed the f**k off, Dray. I ain’t gonna lie”- Patrick Beverley admits not being glad when DPOY was announced, believes he deserved that recognition & is still hungry for it

Patrick Beverley recently joined Draymond Green on the Golden State Warriors forward's show to discuss Marcus Smart winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award last season.

Beverley explained that he was frustrated with himself for not winning and that it spurred him on to do better next season.

Beverley said:

“Part of me was pissed the f**k off, Dray. I ain’t gonna lie. I’d be a fool not to sit — from a competitor’s standpoint — I’d be a cap sitting on here telling you I wasn’t pissed off when that happened.”

Beverley was, however, quick to compliment Marcus Smart.

“I respect it. A guard got it, you know. So now I’m like, okay, what do I have to do now?”

Seeing another guard win DPOY made him realize the award was very much within his reach.

The former Timberwolves guard, who is now with the Lakers, explained that he would use this time to learn and develop his game.

Beverley said:

“Do I have to block more shots? … You gotta win more? Okay, you gotta win more, and you gotta be more healthy.”

Patrick Beverley refining his game for DPOY award

The already tenacious defensive force is using his frustration to refine his game to the point that it will bring him into the conversation for DPOY in the future.

Marcus Smart won last year’s DPOY with 257 points. Phoenix Suns wing, Mikal Bridges, finished second with 202 points. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert was third with 136.

Smart averaged 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game last season. His defensive efforts averaged to 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game.

Beverley, meanwhile, finished the season averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. On defense, he averaged 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

Comparing the numbers, one could argue that Beverley, at least, belonged in the conversation and moving to the Lakers could boost his chances of winning the award in coming seasons.

Having primary scorers in LeBron James and Anthony Davis will give Beverley the space he needs to work. Being able to trust that his teammates will fill their roles, while he fills his, could make the difference in the end.