Memphis Grizzlies Player Evaluation: Mike Conley

May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) looks on during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley had his best season yet and he is just getting started on his road to greatness. How do we grade his 2014-15?

The Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley has been a solid player throughout his basketball career–from his high school days into college and now in the professional ranks. He has always been a “good” player, but now he is knocking on the door of elite status.

From clutch shots to true leadership–not to mention a heavily-improved three-point shot from his Ohio State day–Conley can do it all at the point guard position. He is a top-notch defender, too. “Clutch Conley” goes toe-to-toe with any opposing point guard in the association today. It is remarkable how he has developed since 2007 when the Memphis Grizzlies drafted Mike Conley with the third overall selection in the NBA Draft.

Jan 9, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Just when you think MC could not possibly receive additional praise, his toughness is brought up. In a series against the Golden State Warriors, there was no player on the floor to embody the true meaning of a warrior that the Grizzlies’ own Michael Conley, Junior. He fought through a nasty facial injury that would have sidelined any other NBA player for months. He missed just a few days of basketball activity and he played a heroic role in nearly completing an upset of the now NBA Champs, the Golden State Warriors.

While battling multiple injuries, he really did not miss a beat on the floor. Mike Conley cannot be a human being. Talk about a real-life “Iron Man.”

Enough with the props. What do the writers at ‘Beale Street Bears‘ think about Mike Conley’s performance throughout the entire 2014-15 NBA season–more than just the NBA Playoffs?

Take a look below at our opinions and grades. Do you agree?

Nir Regev, Staff Writer

Grade: A+

Assessment: “Poise, leadership, and absolute will. No injury was going to stop Mike Conley from being out there on the court. Grit and Grind, 24/7. His impact on the team offensively is immeasurable, from scoring trusty floaters to focusing team composure. Whenever Conley was off the court the Memphis Grizzlies seem to slip a little into ISO mode, showing the reliance of Conley for ball movement. His defense was excellent all season. Conley’s return after playoff injury was an inspiration. Remarkable. One for the ages.”

Ben Parker, Staff Writer

Grade: A+

Assessment: “Mike Conley had a fantastic season, averaging 15.8 points and 5.4 assists per game in the regular season. But ironically, the impact of his play wasn’t realized until he went down in the Portland series and missed the beginning of the Golden State series. It was clear that once he went down, the Grizzlies lost a valuable piece to their championship puzzle.

Conley didn’t let the injury to his face prevent him from playing his heart out, either. He played with a tremendous amount of courage and heart against the Warriors and proved that he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the Grizzlies over the hump and into the NBA Finals. Even though the Grizzlies fell short, Mike Conley earned a lot of respect from teams around the league and was rightfully recognized as a champion in his own right.

Because of the way he played all season and bravely persevered in the playoffs, I have to give Mike Conley an A+ for the way he played this past season. Hopefully he can continue to be a member of the Grizzlies for years to come.”

Ken Newhouse, Editor

May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives in the second quarter defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: B-

Assessment: “I never thought I would say this, but Mike Conley is now my second favorite Grizzlies’ player. What he did for the Grizzlies in the playoffs was unthinkable. He deserves to be the team MVP this season for fighting through a broken face and two sprained ankles.”

Christian Dudley, Editor

Grade: A+

Assessment: “Although Marc Gasol was the Memphis Grizzlies’ lone All-Star, I believe Mike Conley was the team’s most consistent player throughout the 2014-15 season. I did not think that MC could become even more underrated, but that happened this year. He is a sharpshooter from all over the court, can defend all the best guards, and he can play at a high level even after being completely battered. They do not make them tougher than Mike. He was tremendous this season. I give him an A+ because that is as high of a grade as there is although he deserves extra credit points for his playoff performances and bravery.”

Grizz Nation, what would you give as a letter grade to “Clutch Conley?”

Go Grizz!

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