Clippers' Beverley wants his play in bubble to 'inspire' Chicago youth
Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley left the NBA bubble in July after his close friend, Davaris Davis, was shot and killed in Chicago.
Beverley, who has lost numerous friends and family members to gun violence, believes his presence in the bubble can serve as a beacon of hope for the youth in his hometown.
"I just want to shine a light on the city of Chicago," the 32-year-old told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "It ain't safe right now. It's a tough time. But there are still kids in there that want to go to the NBA and still kids in there that have dreams to be the next Patrick Beverley. And I just want to make sure that I am staying focused and doing what it takes to inspire.
"Because I am starting to lose people that's real close to me, and it is starting to hit home. This (restart in the) bubble, my game, the way I carry myself is important, not only to me, but to all the inner-city kids around there. ... I am trying to make a difference, yo. Just trying to find a way to get everyone out (of danger), you know?"
Beverley and Davis lived in the same household when they were in high school. The seven-year NBA vet said basketball has been a positive way for him to cope with Davis' death.
"It's a very unfortunate situation, losing a friend to gun violence," Beverley said. "But I am fortunate to be in the bubble, and I mean that wholeheartedly. I am able to focus on my craft, not able to deal with kind of the reality, not just yet.
"I am in a bubble, able to focus on basketball, so this bubble has been a great experience for me. And I have been able to kind of take my mind off my reality and put all that passion and pain into the game of basketball."
Beverley's teammates Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell also previously left the campus environment in Orlando to attend to the deaths of loved ones.