5 Rockets players who were most like Dennis Rodman

3. Patrick Beverley

Although Patrick Beverley isn’t a big man like Rodman was, he has the same mentality as it pertains to getting under the opposing team’s skin. Beverley is a pest and an irritant, and frankly is a player who makes life difficult for opposing guards.

Despite being just 6-foot-1, Beverley doesn’t back down from anyone, which is a trait that earned him significant playing time, despite being undrafted and unheralded. During Beverley’s rookie season with the Rockets, he went toe-to-toe with Russell Westbrook, who was one of the elite players in the league. Beverley finished fourth among point guards in defensive box plus minus that season.

Beverley was named to two all-defensive teams during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, including being named First-Team All-Defense during his final season in the Space City. There were also two additional seasons in which Beverley received votes for the all-defensive team, but ultimately didn’t make the cut.

Like Rodman, the Chicago native is viewed by many as a dirty player, due to his physicality and his aggressiveness on defense. Beverley welcomes the challenge of defending the opponent’s biggest scoring threat, which was especially on display during his later days with the LA Clippers. In the first round of the 2019 playoffs, Beverley took on the assignment of defending the 6-foot-10 Kevin Durant, despite giving up nine inches and 55 pounds.

Although Pat Bev is much smaller than Rodman, he’s an elite defender who is a nightmare for opponents on the defensive end of the floor. He’s also a player that fans love having on their team and hate seeing him on the opposing team.

Next: No. 2