Former Houston Rockets fan favorite chooses Israel over team

Every NBA has that one role player they love. They've likely got one that they can't stand as well. Often, a role player inspires both feelings in different fans - it depends on whether they've played on your team or not.

Are you a Houston Rockets fan? If so, and if you're old enough, you probably love Patrick Beverley. Few players have come through Space City and left as much on the floor as Beverley.

He won't be reuniting with the Rockets any time soon. That's not due to a lack of trying:

Beverley chose to take his talents to Israel instead of signing with the Rockets.

Houston Rockets miss out on fan-favorite

Beverley just signed a deal with Hapoel Tel Aviv. It's been reported that he's attracted to the idea of challenging to win both the Israel League and the Eurocup.

We'll be transparent. Some part of us wish Beverley had chosen to compete in the In-Season Tournament Cup and the Play-In Tournament with the Houston Rockets.

Did the Rockets miss out?

Houston Rockets didn't need Beverley

Not necessarily.

This isn't complicated. Aaron Holiday is a better shooter than Beverley. So, he'd be a better fit in the Rockets' shooting-deprived rotation.

Could Beverley have challenged him for that spot? Sure. If he was having a strong season from deep, he'd likely usurp Holiday. Beverley is a comfortably better defender, and neither is a high-level shot-creator.

Still, Holiday is the better fit at this moment. Moreover - should the Rockets be creating more competition for Reed Sheppard? He already has to contend with Holiday, Jalen Green, and (to a lesser extent, since he can play both forward spots) Amen Thompson.

Had the Rockets signed Beverley at a veteran's minimum, it would have been a solid move. If nothing else, he'd increase the competitive fervor in practice. Still, Rockets fans shouldn't be stressed about missing out on Beverley:

Whether they love him or they hate him.