Patrick Beverley vs. Nick Young? Tensions Rise Ahead of BIG3 Celebrity Game Showdown

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DALLAS, TX — Veteran NBA guard Patrick Beverley may not have officially retired from professional basketball, but his career has certainly taken an interesting turn since the conclusion of the 2023–24 NBA season. Following his time in the league, Beverley surprised many by signing with Hapoel Tel Aviv, a professional basketball team in Israel.

Despite his overseas move, the fire and passion that have always defined Beverley’s game continue to burn. In fact, he remains open about possibly returning to the NBA, though with mixed emotions. While he’s exploring opportunities outside the league, it’s clear he hasn’t shut the door completely on suiting up in the NBA again.

In the meantime, fans will get a chance to see Beverley back in action—albeit not on an NBA court—when he participates in the 2025 BIG3 Celebrity Game in Dallas, Texas, representing Team Cube. But what should have been a celebratory appearance has already taken a sharp turn toward drama, thanks to a heated challenge from another former NBA player.

Nick Young Calls Out Beverley for a One-on-One Battle

Nick Young, also known as “Swaggy P,” is no stranger to headlines—and this time, he’s using them to call out Beverley publicly. In a recent video that quickly made its way around social media, the former Los Angeles Lakers guard challenged Beverley to a one-on-one matchup, demanding his full attention in classic Swaggy P fashion.

“Be here, baby. My man. Hey. Be here. Tell Pat Baff to pull up. I’m back in Texas, baby. L.A. Rise, baby. I’m out here. Tell him to highlight me, too, when he come to L.A. I really want that one-on-one. Easy,” Young said, confidently.

“Oh, I’ll be here. He knows where to find me. Make sure he’s courtside. I’ll give him all the smoke, all the attention he want.”

Young, now serving as head coach of the BIG3 team LA Riot, seems determined to turn the BIG3 spotlight directly onto a potential showdown with Beverley. Whether it’s for bragging rights, entertainment, or personal rivalry, Young’s challenge was loud, bold, and impossible to ignore.

Beverley Fires Back With Classic Confidence

Naturally, it didn’t take long for Beverley to respond. The outspoken guard, well known for his tenacity both on and off the court, took to social media to address the callout directly.

Retweeting the video of Young’s message, Beverley offered a no-nonsense response that fans have come to expect from the fiery veteran.

“No he does not. he knows. i will destroy this man. I Live in LA ❤️Luv Gang❤️,” Beverley wrote, sending a clear message.

It was vintage Beverley: direct, bold, and loaded with competitive energy. Though known more for his defense and hustle than flashy scoring, Beverley made it abundantly clear that if Young truly wants “all the smoke,” he’s ready to deliver it—no hesitation.

Old Sparks, New Fire

While this latest exchange has grabbed attention for its entertainment value, the tension between Beverley and Young isn’t entirely new. The two players, both veterans of the league with LA connections, have crossed paths before—most recently at a previous BIG3 event, where Beverley recounted an unexpected face-to-face encounter with Young.

Though the exact details of that moment remain unclear, it’s evident that there’s a competitive undercurrent between the two. Whether it’s playful trash talk or something more serious, the stage is now set for a must-watch moment at the upcoming BIG3 Celebrity Game.

BIG3: Where Legends, Celebrities, and Rivalries Collide

Founded by Ice Cube, the BIG3 league has grown from an experimental summer tournament into a must-see event that mixes former NBA players, celebrity guests, and exciting three-on-three basketball. It provides a space for players to continue showcasing their talents while also offering fans a unique brand of basketball entertainment.

The BIG3 Celebrity Game, in particular, is a fan-favorite. Featuring well-known personalities from both inside and outside of basketball, it has become a platform for fun, flair, and, occasionally, fiery rivalries. This year’s edition in Dallas promises to be no exception—especially with the Beverley vs. Young narrative gaining momentum.

While Beverley will be suiting up for Team Cube, Young will likely be coaching from the sidelines for Team LA Riot, although fans are already speculating that he might put on a jersey himself just for the chance to go one-on-one with Beverley.

The Stakes: Beyond the Game

What makes this developing storyline so compelling isn’t just the idea of two former NBA players trading jabs—it’s what each of them represents.

For Beverley, this is about protecting his legacy as one of the league’s most relentless defenders and fierce competitors. Even in retirement (or semi-retirement), he’s not going to let anyone question his toughness or ability to compete.

For Young, it’s about swagger and confidence, the very traits that earned him the “Swaggy P” nickname. He’s always embraced the spotlight, and a faceoff with Beverley offers the perfect stage to remind fans of what made him such an entertaining figure during his NBA years.

The beef is light-hearted, for now. But as anyone familiar with NBA personalities knows, it could escalate quickly—especially if cameras are rolling and the game gets competitive.

Could This Lead to a Real 1-on-1?

With both players publicly acknowledging the challenge, fans are now clamoring for a true one-on-one matchup, either during or after the BIG3 Celebrity Game. Social media has already exploded with fantasy breakdowns, predictions, and heated debates.

Who would win? Beverley, with his defensive grit, or Young, with his natural scoring touch?

The idea of an actual one-on-one showdown has gained so much traction that BIG3 organizers may now face pressure to make it happen. If nothing else, a special halftime feature or postgame exhibition could settle the score—and deliver viral content in the process.

After all, in an age where content is king and rivalries fuel engagement, this kind of showdown would be a marketing goldmine.

Beverley’s Future: Still Wide Open

Beyond this social media sparring match, Beverley’s basketball future remains intriguing. While he currently plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, there’s still speculation about whether the 36-year-old might attempt an NBA comeback, especially if the right opportunity arises with a contender.

“I’m not done yet,” Beverley hinted in a previous podcast episode. “I still got something left in the tank.”

Whether that “something” plays out on the NBA hardwood, in international leagues, or in high-profile games like the BIG3, one thing is certain: Beverley remains as competitive and vocal as ever.

Conclusion: All Eyes on Dallas

The 2025 BIG3 Celebrity Game was already shaping up to be an exciting affair, but thanks to Patrick Beverley and Nick Young, it now has an extra dose of intrigue, drama, and good old-fashioned basketball tension.

As fans gear up for the event in Dallas, the main question isn’t just who will win the game—it’s whether these two outspoken former pros will finally go head-to-head and settle the score on the court.

Whether it’s trash talk, fierce competition, or just entertaining chaos, one thing is clear:

This isn’t just a celebrity game anymore. It’s personal.