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

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At the top of the floor, Conley has become more than just a pickpocket. He closes space exceptionally well for a little guy and knows how to force the ball away from the middle. He also offers some extras that keep opponents off-balance. Off the ball, he?ll tease, faking as if he's going to help on the ball only to pull back once rhythm has been broken. There's an intelligence to his game that wasn't detectable when he first signed a deal that raised eyebrows and now looks like a bargain.
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Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
Mike Conley: Breaking out.

You can't run under on Conley anymore, because he can hurt you from beyond the arc and spot up nicely when Gay is pounding the rock on the wing
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Conley learned a lot while Randolph was sidelined last season. With Randolph no longer eating up space on the right block, this opened up a tunnel for Conley to drive nonstop to the hoop. Conley learned that attacking the defense allowed him to see the floor better. He has become a more comfortable pick-and-roll practitioner, and I often wonder how he'd fare on a team with two wings who stretched the floor and could make defenses pay if Conley found them with a kickout. Even with these limitations, Conley can now dominate the game for long stretches during which the Memphis offense is at its liveliest.
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http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/51428/are-the-grizzlies-finding-their-groove

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg273jkADvI"](11.11.2012) Postgame : Michael Conley [ Miami Heat vs Memphis Grizzlies ] - YouTube[/ame]
 
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Conley scores 20 as streaking Memphis Grizzlies beat Charlotte Bobcats 94-87
November 18

CHARLOTTE, N.C. ? The Memphis Grizzlies are on top of the NBA for the first time in the franchise?s 17-year history, and they showed why Saturday night.

Mike Conley scored 20 points and the Grizzlies beat the Charlotte Bobcats 94-87 for their eighth consecutive victory.

Zach Randolph added 18 points and 12 rebounds, and three other players scored in double figures for the Grizzlies, who own the league?s best record at 8-1. Rudy Gay had 16 points and Marc Gasol and Tony Allen scored 12 apiece.

?I think these last two games have really distinguished what kind of personality this team has right now,? Conley said. ?We?re really playing together as a team.?
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...89d4ca-312f-11e2-af17-67abba0676e2_story.html
 
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Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins takes time to ?give a shoutout to Mike Conley and all the haters of Mike Conley?
By Kelly Dwyer | Ball Don't Lie

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Mike Conley and Lionel Hollins don't want to hear it (Getty Images)

It's true that there was a stigma surrounding Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley when he entered the NBA in 2007. Point guards drafted fourth overall are usually expected to become a star of sorts, and Conley's ascension has come in gradual stages, while other young wonders at the position (your Roses, Westbrooks, Irvings and Lillards, even) have shot straight to the top.

That loping rate reached its crisis point when the Grizzlies extended Conley's contract just before an early-season deadline back in Nov. of 2010. Mike was coming off of a third season in which he didn't really distinguish himself, and the five-year $40 million terms seemed a bit much when you took into account the Grizzlies had all the wonders of restricted free agency on their side should they have decided to let Conley seek out his market value the next summer. Even after the improved 2010-11 season Conley gave the Grizz, those terms probably wouldn't have been matched by many during the lockout-addled 2011 offseason.

All this, plus Conley's frustrations in going up against Los Angeles Clippers rookie Eric Bledsoe in last year's postseason, add to the mix. Conley's good, damn good, but to hear Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins tell it there are still some out there who don't understand just what he does for the West-leading Grizzlies. Mike's recent bout with a flu, a poor performance from backup hybrid guard Jerryd Bayless, and a close win over a Cleveland Cavalier team still lacking "your Irvings" took care of all that -- and Hollins wants all you cretins to know and love what you were missing on Monday night. From the Memphis Commercial Appeal:

"I've got to give a shoutout to Mike Conley and all the haters of Mike Conley," Hollins said. "He's one of the most valuable players we have on this team. He's not a flashy guy, not a big scorer, not a big name, but he helps makes us go and we missed him big time. Jerryd did an admirable job. ? (But) you limit what you can do when you don't have a guy that knows all of the nuances of what you're trying to do."
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It's true that Bayless "did an admirable job." Turning from a bench energizer (or, more specifically, scorer) into a lead offensive distributor and play-caller is not easy, especially when Conley's flu was a late-day addition to the game plan. It's an accurate and kind way to put it.

Out of rhythm, though, Bayless really struggled. He missed eight of 11 shots, managed six assists to three turnovers, and most importantly ran an offense that, according to Grizzlies blog 3 Shades of Blue, featured "several plays resulting in players actually bumping into one another on offense." Bayless' ball-domination came in handy when he hit a late jumper to seal the game, but not after a performance that left the usually potent Grizzlies nearly falling to a rebuilding team working without its best player.

The "haters" comment, though?

As was bandied about on Twitter following Monday's Grizzlies win, there aren't many prominent critics of Mike Conley Jr. floating around out there right now. The last batches of concern I and most others had was over his contract extension in 2010, and that was only because it was proof of yet another team refusing to use the payroll-easing aid of restricted free agency in the months before an expected lockout, more so than criticism of Conley's worth as a player. And, sure, he had his issues with Eric Bledsoe last May ? but trust me, a whole lot of NBA players are going to have issues with Eric Bledsoe for a long, long time.

Then again, just as much as it's time for grown-ass men to stop using the word "hater," maybe it's time for the incestuous circle of blogosphere and mainstream media coverage to understand that the coach might be speaking to those who we don't count amongst our must-follows on Twitter.

Hollins could be talking to sports radio call-in guests, fans whose thoughts we're not privy to outside of Memphis. He could be talking to other members of the Grizzlies' franchise, off-record types that we're unaware of. Other NBA players. Possible grumbly Grizzlies teammates. That dude with the camera in the back.

All should be on board, though. Conley is averaging a career-high 14.8 points in just 33.7 minutes, and most importantly shooting the heck out of the ball ? 39 percent from long range and 49 percent overall, great numbers for a point guard. In spite of Memphis' disturbing 84-point turn against Cleveland, the team still ranks fourth overall in offensive efficiency just because Conley sets things up so darn well. And, because of the team's commitment to him, he's been allowed to grow and develop as a player while establishing continuity and chemistry with his Memphis teammates along the way. For a point guard, familiarity rarely breeds contempt.

There are no "haters" left, Lionel. Now help your point guard finish his bottle of Pepto-Bismol, and get him back out on the court.
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http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...-takes-time-shoutout-mike-201239216--nba.html
 
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Conley sustains status as major Griz cog
Point's absence showed value
By Ronald Tillery
Posted November 27, 2012

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Photo by Nikki Boertman, The Commercial Appeal
Nikki Boertman/The Commercial Appeal Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) celebrates a Wayne Ellington three-point basket Sunday at the FedExForum. (The Commercial Appeal/ )

Practice had long ended and Mike Conley ? fighting to regain his strength ? remained on the court to work on his game.

Conley's battle with the flu kept him out of the Grizzlies' latest victory. But the veteran point guard's presence in FedExForum Tuesday just about summed up his growth as a major cog in the Grizzlies' suddenly impressive and successful machine.

In Conley, the Griz have a durable and dependable point guard. He happens to be as deft as they come on the court, too.

That was the message Griz coach Lionel Hollins attempted to deliver Monday when he called out Conley "haters" after the NBA's fourth-most efficient offense labored to score 84 points without their starting point guard in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Conley's absence underscored his value to a franchise that sought several times to trade him and once battled over whether to hand Conley the keys or give control of the team to Kyle Lowry, who visits tonight with the Toronto Raptors.

Hollins insisted on riding with Conley, whose development backs up one of the Grizzlies' astute decisions over the past four seasons.

"It wasn't like we were going to win," Hollins said about backing Conley in 2009. "And if he couldn't play then Kyle was going to play. But it worked out for Kyle and it worked out for Mike."

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http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/27/conley-sustains-status-as-major-griz-cog/
 
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Mike Conley starting to emerge as one of NBA?s elite point guards
November 29, 2012 By Andre Johnson

With 6 minutes, 26 seconds remaining in the third quarter of Wednesday night?s Toronto Raptors versus Memphis Grizzlies game, the announced 14,603 witnesses on hand held their collective breath when Mike Conley got tangled with Toronto?s Kyle Lowry and tumbled hard to the floor under the basket.

Fortunately for Conley, he emerged to his feet, then headed toward the free throw line after Lowry was whistled for a foul, resulting in a mutual sigh of relief among spectators for a player whose absence against Cleveland affected Memphis? ability to execute its pick and roll offense with efficiency.

Wednesday was an entirely different story for the Grizzlies, who extended their undefeated streak to three games with a resounding 103-82 win against the struggling Raptors. Memphis now owns a half-game lead over San Antonio in the Western Conference standings. Conley, back in the lineup after missing Monday?s outing because of flu-like symptoms, was part a balanced attack that saw five Memphis players score in double figures. The 6-foot-1 point guard orchestrated the Grizzlies? pick and roll offense with ease and registered 16 points on 4-of-6 field goals and five assists in 30-plus minutes against a Toronto squad that suffered its sixth consecutive defeat.

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Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley returned to action Wednesday night versus the Raptors and showed no signs of fatigue after missing the previous game with flu-like symptoms. Conley registered 16 points in 30-plus minutes in helping Memphis to a 103-82 win over Toronhttp://memphisport.com/2012/11/grizzlies-floor-general-mike-conley-starting-to-emerge-as-one-of-nbas-elite-point-guards/to in FedExForum. (Photo by Justin Ford)

?I was feeling a little better,? a seemingly rejuvenated Conley said after a reporter jokingly asked if his flu-like symptoms were contagious. ?I wasn?t out there coughing and things. (Monday?s game) was tough. I was home watching the game and dang near drove to the Forum.?

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http://memphisport.com/2012/11/griz...-to-emerge-as-one-of-nbas-elite-point-guards/
 
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Griz rewind: Conley-to-Bucks trade best that didn't happen
By Ronald Tillery on December 19, 2012 3:33 PM

Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley needs eight assists to pass Jason Williams (2,069 from 2001-05, 2010-11) as the franchise's career leader in assists.

That's mainly possible because of coach Lionel Hollins' belief in Conley, and a January 2009 trade that never happened. Remember when the Griz were trying to send Conley to the Milwaukee Bucks for Ramon Sessions, who is a journeyman at best?

Here's an excerpt from a Jan. 15, 2009 article that appeared in the

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.

The Grizzlies 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.

The deal is being discussed partly because Conley no longer has the faith of his most ardent supporters within the organization. Much of the disappointment has to do with Conley's perceived lack of competitive spirit and dogged play on the court.

When asked about Conley's recent slide Wednesday after practice, Griz coach Marc Iavaroni simply pointed to the production of the starting point guard Kyle Lowry.

"I don't think Mike played bad (Tuesday) night. Kyle was very assertive and that's where the comparisons come in," Iavaroni said. "Kyle is definitely asserting himself and that has a lot to do with the fact that it's perhaps affected Mike's outlook. But there's still a (matter) of not letting it affect you."

Conley is enjoying a career year, averaging career bests in scoring (14 points), steals (2.4, 2nd) and three-point field goal percentage (.427). Conley leads the team in assists (6.1, which tied 17th in the NBA) for the sixth consecutive season.
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http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/t...ey-to-bucks-best-trade-that-didnt-happen.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBTDFfIG39g"]Mike Conley - Memphis Grizzlies - YouTube[/ame]
 
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A long road in Memphis: The rise of Mike Conley
By Matt Moore | Senior Blogger
December 22, 2012

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Mike Conley has the Grizzlies in the hunt for the Western title. (Getty Images)

"It's harder early on, because you think you know it all, but you don't. I had to watch a lot of film. Watch guys like Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Tony Parker. Guys who I think are the best. Go out and try and simulate that the best you can in practice and games. The more you do that, the more comfortable you get." -- Mike Conley on how hard it is for point guards when they enter the NBA, December, 2012

? ? ?


It's June 28, 2007, and the Memphis Grizzlies believe they've just drafted their franchise point guard of the future. Mike Conley, starting point guard for the national championship runner-up Ohio State Buckeyes, is selected with the fourth pick.

Conley is soft-spoken with an engaging smile. He doesn't display the stunning top speed of the elite point guards in the league (nor the crop to come in the coming years), but he brings a wide skill set and good basketball IQ.

He is 19 years old.

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http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/e...ley-and-the-grizzlies-have-become-a-contender

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFG_vfTzt9c"]Mike Conley becomes Grizzlies all-time assist leader! - YouTube[/ame]
 
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Mike Conley probable Monday against Philadelphia
January 28, 2013 By Andre Johnson

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Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley is listed as probable for Monday?s game at Philadelphia. Conley, who averages 13.3 points per game, left Sunday?s game against New Orleans in FedExForum with left ankle sprain in the first quarter and did not return. (Photo by Chris Evans)

For the second time this season, the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday played a significant amount of time without starting point guard Mike Conley.

This time, however, it cost them mightily.

The Grizzlies entered Sunday?s game against the New Orleans Hornets in FedExForum hoping to end their four-game homestand on a positive note heading into Monday night?s outing at Philadelphia. But after Conley sustained a left ankle sprain less than five minutes into the contest, Memphis found it difficult to execute its pick-at-roll offense and ultimately was a dealt a 91-83 by what seemingly was a healthier and more poised Hornets squad.

Conley, who traveled with the team to Philadelphia Sunday night, is expected to be re-evaluated on Monday and is listed as probable, team sources said. A five-year veteran, Conley?s injury occurred with 7:40 remaining in the first quarter when he said his left ankle ?gave out? in transition after stepping in front of New Orleans? Anthony Davis for a steal.

?I immediately felt a pop and pain and tried to play on it for a moment,? Conley said in the locker room after the game. ?I really couldn?t run and injured it and tried to play on it, and when I went out, (the team doctor) told me not to go back out because it didn?t look good for me to play on a bad ankle.?

Conley, who watched the rest of the game from a room adjacent to the locker room, wore a productive boot to prevent further harm to his ankle. Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins told reporters he was unsure of Conley?s status, but said, ?He will probably play (Monday) night, but there?s no real word.?

Unlike in their November 26 game against Cleveland, when the Grizzlies withstood a late rally to win, 84-78, while Conley sat out because of flu-like symptoms, Memphis struggled offensively against the Hornets and couldn?t exhibit enough energy to counter the opposition?s fourth-quarter surge. The Grizzlies (28-15) shot a frigid 31 percent from the field after intermission. It also didn?t help that Zach Randolph, who led the Grizzlies with 20 points, was held scoreless in the decisive fourth quarter in which Memphis was limited to just 23 percent shooting from the field and was outscored, 27-15.

Sunday?s loss snapped the Grizzlies? two-game winning streak.

?It was tough to watch,? Conley said after his streak of double-digit scoring ended at six games. ?We had been kind of playing so well. But they?re up and down and really hurt us in the pick and pops, and down the stretch, we turned it over a few times and really couldn?t get nothing going. It?s very crucial we all stay healthy. We all feed off each other. You know, when I?m out, we?re missing a big part in terms of how we orchestrate things on the floor.

?Not knocking JB (reserve Jerryd Bayless) or anybody, but we need every guy healthy,? Conley added. ?We can be missing Zach, Rudy (Gay), myself, or Marc (Gasol).?
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http://memphisport.com/2013/01/mike-conley-probable-monday-against-philadelphia/
 
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