PG Mike Conley (1st Team All BIG, NBA All-Star, Oscar Winner, Minnesota Timberwolves)

[Buckskin86]

Getting an (NBA) education
Conley, in his 2nd pro season after exiting college early, is learning the pro game on the league's youngest team
By Jeff Rabjohns
Posted: December 26, 2008

A When Mike Conley entered the NBA after his freshman season at Ohio State, the former Lawrence North High School star knew he was in for a year of serious learning.

Turns out, a player's first year in the NBA is more like a Ph.D. program than casual graduate school work.

"You learn more in that year about the game of basketball than you do in your whole life," he said.

Conley, who turned 21 in October, has started 18 of 28 games this season, averaging 8.1 points, 3.5 assists and 2.9 rebounds for the Memphis Grizzlies, who host the Indiana Pacers tonight.

He led NBA rookies in assists last year (4.2), and his shooting has improved this season to 42 percent.

Conley, who teamed with Greg Oden to win three consecutive state titles at Lawrence North, is learning the NBA as part of one of the league's youngest teams.

Memphis has eight players 23 or younger and is one of only four teams in the league with at least four rookies.

The Grizzlies' starting lineup in 15 games -- Conley (21), O.J. Mayo (21), Rudy Gay (22), Darrell Arthur (20) and Marc Gasol (23) -- averages 21.4 years old. Last year's University of Memphis team that was the NCAA runner-up had a starting lineup that averaged 21.6 years old.

"After you've been through a year, you understand the wear and tear, the grind and the level you have to play at, night in and night out," Conley said. "It's something I've gotten used to.

"It's a matter of putting all the things you've worked on every day in the offseason into games. You definitely have more responsibility as a second-year player."

Getting an (NBA) education | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

 

[Buckskin86]

Grizzlies' Mike Conley still on trading block
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sunday, January 11, 2009

Let's just say it's safe to assume that the much talked about Mike Conley-for-Travis Outlaw deal between Memphis and Portland will always be met with a telephone busy signal from here on out.

The Grizzlies signing Darius Miles to a 10-day contract Saturday with the potential to adversely affect Portland's salary cap likely ends any chance the two teams will ever deal in the future.

But that doesn't mean Conley is now untouchable.

The Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks have talked about a deal that could send Conley to Wisconsin for guard Ramon Sessions and swingman Joe Alexander.

It is not known what other components, if any, are in the proposed trade but a deal would work under NBA rules with those three players.

A deal involving Conley appears more imminent now than ever because his most ardent supporters within the organization no longer fight for his stay in Beale Street Blue.

The Griz turned down a deal before the start of the season that would have sent Conley to Portland for swingman Travis Outlaw. Memphis tried to revive those trade talks to no avail.

Conley is aware of the situation.

"They've given me chances," Conley said. "I wouldn't say they've given up on me. We've been searching. It's tough. You don't know what the organization might be doing. My dad (and agent, Mike Conley Sr.) told me not to worry about it and just play."

Part of the recent disappointment with Conley is his perceived contentment over losing the starting job at point guard. That Conley has shown little-to-no fight to regain the starring role hasn't been viewed favorably given his history of passive play on the court.

Grizzlies' Mike Conley still on trading block : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

[Buckskin86]

The Q, with Memphis Grizzlies (and former OSU star) point guard Mike Conley
by Mary Schmitt Boyer/Plain Dealer Reporter
Tuesday January 13, 2009

Eric Gay/Associated Press
Memphis point guard Mike Conley is averaging 7.5 points and 3.1 assists per game this season.

Q: How's Darius Miles doing?
A: He's doing well. He's a great guy to be around. He has done well in practice and is working really hard to get back in game-ready shape. He's a good veteran for us, a great addition to our team.


Q: What's the mood of your team these days?

A: Everybody is very, very optimistic. We think we can be a lot better than we are. We've shown we can play with some of the better teams in the league, but some games we don't do as well. That inconsistency makes everyone work harder. Everybody wants to get better. We're so young. Everybody is trying to make a mark on the league. We're up and down, but everybody has high hopes.


Q: What did you think of the Fiesta Bowl?

A: Oh, man. They (the Buckeyes) had me jumping up and down until the last play. I don't know how that could happen. It was a great game, though, up until that final play.


Q: Isn't it good to see Greg Oden back on the court in Portland?

A: It's really good, knowing what he went through last year with his injury and rehabilitation. He did not have a fun year. So I'm very happy for him.

The Q, with Memphis Grizzlies (and former OSU star) point guard Mike Conley - Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball NBA News - cleveland.com

 

[Buckskin86]

Deal or no deal? Griz await word from Bucks about a Conley trade
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Thursday, January 15, 2009

The Grizzlies want to deal second-year point guard Mike Conley to the Milwaukee Bucks, and receive guard Ramon Sessions and swingman Joe Alexander in return, but the ball doesn't appear to be in their court.

Milwaukee is apparently weighing the proposal as talks are ongoing, based on conversations with people knowledgeable about the trade discussions.

Griz general manager Chris Wallace declined comment, citing the team's policy to not discuss trade rumors.

The Grizzlies, though, have no reservations about consummating the transaction in its current two-for-one form. They are looking to unload Conley, the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft, while he's mired in his second performance funk this season.

Conley is averaging 4.1 points on 22-percent shooting to go with 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.1 minutes over last eight games. The Ohio State product has logged a total of 30 minutes in the past two games.

Deal or no deal? Griz await word from Bucks about a Conley trade : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

[Magua]

Man, I just think a change of scenery would reaaallllyyy benefit Conley at this point.

 

[Buckskin86]

Tillery: Case weak for Conley deal
Grizzlies' players coming to defense of teammate
Sunday, January 18, 2009

Go ahead Memphis Grizzlies, trade point guard Mike Conley.

You'll be sorry. You'll regret the decision, and Conley's success will be his revenge. You'll learn the hard way that players like the Ohio State product shouldn't be easily discarded.

Those sentiments are shared by many in the Grizzlies' locker room, and obviously, by a coach and general manager or 20 who believe Conley's better days are ahead.

But Griz rookie Marc Gasol wouldn't leave FedExForum on Friday night before he could be heard loud and clear.

"That trade doesn't make any sense," Gasol exclaimed, referring to a proposed deal that would send Conley to Milwaukee for Ramon Sessions and Joe Alexander.

"It's wrong," the 7-foot Spaniard continued. "I wouldn't trade Mike. You're looking and you're trying to do something to fix this, but that isn't the right thing. There's more to what's going on."

Before you dismiss Gasol's assessment as nothing more than an emotional rookie coming to the defense of a friend/teammate consider this: Gasol has several years of professional basketball experience in Europe. He comes from a burgeoning European basketball enterprise, where players aren't tossed around like stocks, but rather developed with the promise of commitment and patience.

How else do you explain Gasol -- once a bona fide scrub -- turning into a solid NBA center? And, really, could Gasol's talent evaluation be any worse than the Grizzlies' stale scouting recommendations given their draft history pre-Chris Wallace?

Listen. The guy makes sense when talking about Conley's up-and-down performances.

"There are many reasons. First you're starting, and then you're out of the lineup," Gasol said. "And sometimes you're not playing as well. The important thing is how you are inside. What are you trying to accomplish on the court? Are you working? Are you doing what coach is asking you to do? Are you helping your teammates? Mike is always trying to do the right thing."

In other words, Conley's development or lack thereof is an organizational issue. Sure, Conley could show more fight. The coaching staff could be more flexible, too, and put the fourth overall pick from 2007 in better position to succeed.

"I know I'll get in trouble, but I just don't like it," Gasol said. "Mike is an important piece for us. He's a team-oriented player. There aren't many guys like that. He never makes excuses. He's always thinking about the team, and I haven't seen many players in the NBA like that so far."

Tillery: Case weak for Conley deal : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal

 

[MaxBuck]

All I can say is, if Mike Conley isn't successful in a basketball situation, the problem lies somewhere other than Mike Conley.

 

[exhawg]

I'd give them Pavlovic and a first round pick. :p

 

[Magua]

Gasol just skyrocketed in my favorite people list. Way to show some fight in the public eye for a teamate who clearly may be getting a raw deal.

 

[Buckskin86]

Grizzlies' Conley has much to prove
AP
Paul Forrester's Mailbag

Mike Conley has regained his starting job after being benched earlier this season.

At his introductory news conference Sunday, new Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins issued a challenge to his starting point guard.

"I want to see if Mike Conley is a basketball player on a high level," Hollins said.

That's open to debate a season and a half into Conley's NBA career. Conley played only 46 games in an injury-shortened rookie year, and this season his production has declined, he temporarily lost his starting job and his name has surfaced in trade rumors.

Is Conley, who teamed with fellow freshman Greg Oden to lead Ohio State to the 2007 NCAA championship game, just a highly touted prospect who is more a product of exposure than promise? Indeed, Memphis' latest coaching change comes at a time when the No. 4 pick in the 2007 draft is trying to prove that he is the point guard to lead the young, rebuilding Grizzlies.

"I've tried not to pay too much attention to what pick I was and what everybody might be expecting right now because I know if I'm not living up to those expectations, it'll make it that much harder on myself," Conley said.

That isn't to say things have been easy in his adjustment to the NBA.

"It's almost like you have to learn a whole new game," said the 6-foot-1 Conley, who is averaging 7.9 points and 3.0 assists in 25.4 minutes this season. "Different speeds, different level of competition. You've got know your spots, where you can score from, and where your teammates like the ball. You also have to know how to defend different players and different schemes and recognize different defenses."

An NBA scout described Conley as having a good court sense but questioned his potential.

"He does nothing exceptional that makes him stand out," the scout said. "He struggles shooting. He's just an average defender. He's not very quick and he's not very strong.

"He's young, so he has time to improve, but I don't know if he's a No. 4 pick. I see him having a solid career, but if you're hanging your future on him as your point guard to win an NBA title, he's not there."

Conley is also only 21, having arrived in the NBA after just 39 games with the Buckeyes.

"It's like that with all young players who are talented," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "They show you flashes of their ability and now you've got to connect the dots and get the best performances smoothed out and on a more consistent basis. But it's really hard to forecast when that will come."

Point guard Mike Conley has much to prove with Memphis Grizzlies - Paul Forrester - SI.com

 

[Buckskin86]

So far, Mike Conley has been a beneficiary of the firing of Marc Iavaroni and hiring of Lionel Hollins as Memphis Grizzlies coach.

When he took over, Hollins said the former Ohio State guard needed "the freedom and responsibility to be whatever guy he thinks he is."

The proof is in the stats. In the first five games under Hollins, Conley has averaged more than 35 minutes, nine more than he averaged under Iavaroni. He has averaged 6.4 assists, up from 3.5, and also has averaged almost 10 points, up from eight.

The Columbus Dispatch : Bob Hunter commentary: Rumblings

 

[billmac91]

I'm wondering if the Grizz moved Kyle Lowry or something has happened??

Lowry had zero minutes tonight, and isn't even listed in the box score as a DNP.

Anyone have some info??

BTW, Conley had a pretty decent game....5-15 is a low field goal percentage, but it was an ugly-ass game and Mike played over 40 minutes tonight.

NBA - Toronto Raptors/Memphis Grizzlies Box Score Saturday February 7, 2009 - Yahoo! Sports

 

[JohnnyCockfight]

I'm wondering if the Grizz moved Kyle Lowry or something has happened??

Lowry had zero minutes tonight, and isn't even listed in the box score as a DNP.

Anyone have some info??

I was wondering that also when the box score for Friday's game against the Clips showed the same thing.

Source: Link

Kyle Lowry. Point guard Lowry sprained his ankle in Washington on Monday and probably won't play in this game. He had lost his starting job to second year player Mike Conley, but Lowry has had some big games against the Clippers in the past.

 

[Buckskin86]

Ramon Sessions and Mike Conley legit?
By John Nguyen
02.8.2009

From what I?ve been gathering, the proposed deal sends Ramon Sessions for Mike Conley. The deal is on the table waiting for Bucks? owner Herb Kohl to approve. This is almost like trading Chris Paul for Deron Williams or vice versa, but the problem is which one is Paul and which one is D-Wills?

Conley has been showing signs lately. The past six games from January 28, 2009 through February 7th he?s been averaging 14.1 points, 6.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds. Those numbers will steadily rise as he grows.

Ramon Sessions and Mike Conley legit? - HoopsVibe

 

[Buckskin86]

Grizzlies' Conley playing with confidence, making good decisions
Guard embraces role of leader
By Ronald Tillery (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Wednesday, February 11, 2009

There was a stretch in the fourth quarter Monday night when the Grizzlies' offense shifted into a repetitive, if not predictable, gear.

Rookie O.J. Mayo ran New Orleans Hornets counterpart Rasual Butler ragged, ducking around screens and dodging contact for several catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal

Grizzlies guard Mike Conley has averaged more than 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in eight games under coach Lionel Hollins.

Mark WeberThe Commercial Appeal filesIn his last outing Monday night against the New Orleans Hornets, Mike Conley had 18 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in the Grizzlies' 85-80 victory.


Memphis went with a steady diet of Mayo before winning 85-80, and it was all cooked up by second-year point guard Mike Conley.

"I love that play," Conley said, flashing a toothy grin. "It's an easy assist for me."

These days, it's flat-out easy for Conley to smile.

The 6-1 floor general is operating with all-time high levels of confidence, aggression and productivity. His improved performances, thanks to the freedom and responsibility afforded under Griz coach Lionel Hollins, are partly why the Grizzlies have won four of five games heading into tonight's game at Philadelphia.

Conley's averaged more than 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in eight games under Hollins. More importantly, Conley's proving his decision-making is worthy of the team's trust.

"It's an unreal change," Conley said. "I've been able to go out there and run the show. I called almost all of the plays in the fourth quarter. I've never had that opportunity before, and I like that coach has a lot of trust in me. I don't want to let him down."

Grizzlies' Conley playing with confidence, making good decisions : Grizzlies : Memphis Commercial Appeal