Patrick Beverley has long been one of the boldest and most outspoken personalities in the modern-day NBA.
Be it through his aggressive play on the court or his controversial opinion, Pat Bev never shies away from shaking up the basketball community. His latest remark was no different.
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After witnessing the 2025 WNBA champs, Las Vegas Aces, in action, the former Clippers declared provocatively how this team might not be able to stand their ground against the best NBA talent but can easily beat a team filled with role players who come off the bench for small-market teams like the Wizards and Hornets.
The statement was so intriguing that as soon as Kendrick Perkins heard it, he was so baffled that he didn’t waste any time in educating Beverley about his knowledge and intentions.
Perkins disagrees with Beverley
On an episode of the “Road Trippin'” podcast, Perkins began by giving full credit to the Aces for being an utterly dominant force in the WNBA. However, he firmly criticized Beverley for even initiating a debate involving the two leagues, deeming it an unnecessary argument.
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According to Big Perk, there are clear fundamental differences between the NBA and the WNBA that make such statements unreasonable. Whether it’s the level of physicality, or the intensity of the competition, or the space at which the game is played, or even the general expectation from a player in different positions, Perkins believes the male athletes will naturally have an edge and thus it is a deliberate attempt from Beverley to poke a soft nerve for the female athletes.
Interestingly, Perkins did not stop there. Instead, he reminded Pat that he himself was a role player coming off the bench during his last season in the NBA, for the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia and yet he urges for a return into the league simply because he knows he has enough gas left in the tank to make an impact.
As a result, Beverly should not disrespect role players on small market teams, as they too have the talent for the big stage, just not the opportunity or confidence.
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“I like Pat, he’s open, he’s authentic. He said some real s—t, and he said some bulls—t; this was one of those bulls—t moments. He was f—ing tripping,” Perkins said. “I expect Pat Bev to have more respect for guys that are at the end of the bench, especially with his journey, with how he had to get into the NBA. Playing overseas, stuff like that, because… The Aces will struggle against the best men’s basketball college team. Physically, you just couldn’t keep up.”
No NBA team is easy to beat
While there is no denying the greatness of A’ja Wilson as arguably the greatest WNBA player and the immense talent that fills the Aces’ roster, Perkins’ counterpoint resonated with logic. His argument wasn’t rooted in belittling the WNBA or its champions but in recognizing the different demands of the NBA.
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But the daily grind, athleticism and competition level in the NBA exist on a completely separate tier, one that most women athletes, no matter how skilled, aren’t physically built to match.
Thus, both these leagues deserve respect within their own spheres, but comparisons like Beverley’s only serve to undermine both sides by turning it into a gendered contest rather than a celebration of excellence.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
