Comparing and contrasting Kyrie Irving and Mike Conley’s surprisingly similar analytics

Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) defends against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

When I saw Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley was only one spot behind Kyrie Irving in Sports Illustrated’s “Top 100 NBA players of 2017” rankings, I decided to take a deeper look at how the two match up.

Kyrie Irving has had quite the summer: he won the NBA Finals with a game-winning shot over the first unanimous MVP in league history, partied on yachts and dazzled international basketball fans as he helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in Brazil.

Mike Conley also made the news this summer, signing the largest guaranteed deal in NBA history. In a classic Conley move, he didn’t give a very exciting answer when Mike & Mike asked about what he’d spend his first paycheck on:

"“Really to be honest, I don’t even know,” Conley said. “Maybe my wife a car or something. Outside of that, I don’t think I’m touching it that much.”"

Off the court, Irving and Conley couldn’t be more different. However, when I saw the two floor generals were only ranked one spot apart in SI’s “Top 100 NBA Players of 2017” rankings, I decided to compare their analytics from last season, as well as their on-court styles of play. Sometimes, when looking at the numbers, it’ll be obvious who is who, but the next moment it’ll be hard to decipher. So, can numbers lie?

(Note: If you flip through these quickly, do make sure you read the conclusion)

Next: Per 36 Minutes: Who is Who?