Matt Barnes has taken aim at Patrick Beverley, calling out the former NBA guard’s recent media presence in a blunt and highly critical response.
The comments come as Beverley continues to stay active in basketball conversations despite no longer being in the NBA, often sharing strong opinions and takes that have drawn mixed reactions from players and fans alike.
Barnes, who played alongside Kobe Bryant during his career, did not hold back in addressing that approach. His frustration was clear from the outset, and it only intensified as he continued.
Matt Barnes criticises Patrick Beverley over recent NBA takes
Barnes shared his reaction while driving, where he questioned Beverley’s commentary and how it is being presented.
The criticism focused on Beverley comparing himself and others despite both being role players during their NBA careers.
He said, “Never in my life have I seen an NBA journeyman role player try to call out another NBA journeyman role player.
“Trying to convince himself and whoever else will listen that one role player is better than the other role player. Like, what the f___ are we talking about, bro?”
The remark sets the tone for Barnes’ broader argument about credibility and perspective.
Matt Barnes calls Patrick Beverley a clown over the post-NBA career approach
Barnes went further by contrasting their career paths and how each has transitioned after playing.
“I used my 14 years in the NBA as a platform for the rest of my life. I left under my own accord,” he added. “… You, Patrick, got pushed out of the league and didn’t get to finish the way you wanted to, and had to go overseas and act like it was joyful and fun when you knew you missed finishing your career the way you probably should’ve.”
“You look like a clown. Clickbait, hot take, that’s the guy you’re trying to be instead of bringing value to this space,” Barnes concluded.
The comments underline a sharp divide in how former players approach their post-NBA careers.
For Barnes, the issue is not just what is being said, but how and why it is being delivered.
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