Memphis Grizzlies MVP predictions – roundtable

Mike Conley

WIth the squad transforming from a veteran laden group to one of the younger rosters in the league this season, Mike Conley has to become the Grizzlies’ MVP. Conley is expected to handle the ball, set up the offense, score a ton of points and maintain solid defense in a conference known for high-scoring point guards.

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It may be too much for Mike to handle, but every season Conley has improved statistically. In the playoffs last season, Conley announced he was ready to take the next step forward and become a leader in every sense of the word. Conley finally reached the 20 PPG plateau during the 2016-17 season while finishing just 0.2 APG away from a career-high. With more perimeter shooters helping to spread the court, Conley should find more room to operate in the paint and more players capable of hitting shots from outside as defenses collapse to help on him.

Barring an injury knocking him out for extended time, Conley should average over 22 PPG and 7 APG — which would both be career highs. Furthermore, without a legitimate backup to help him out and more outspoken veterans departed, Conley will become the locker room leader as well.

That’s why he will be the team’s MVP. — Chip Crain (@chipc3)