Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley needs a breather
The Memphis Grizzlies dropped their second straight game in Milwaukee due to lack of production from Mike Conley and the starting unit. Should Conley rest?
The Memphis Grizzlies’ bench aka “Goon Squad” was excellent again this past game as it continues to be the X-factor this season. This time though, the Grizzlies’ bench was again excellent in a losing effort. So, the question needs to be raised, what’s going on with the starters, Mike Conley and his achilles?
Similar to the beginning of last season, Conley is starting the season with a sore achilles. This hurts his game in so many ways. Not only is Conley useless right now, but he’s hurting the offense numerous ways. For the Grizzlies team to be a top-five team in the wild-wild West, the team needs a healthy conductor at the helm.
What should they do about the Conductor? Is it time to rest him?
Solution:
The Grizzlies could shut Conley down for a few weeks, and let him find himself. He needs to rehab the sore achilles and watch film for when he returns.
The achilles isn’t the only thing hurting Conley — defenses are now preparing for he and Marc Gasol now more than ever.
Given these two problems, the Grizzlies shouldn’t treat Mike like every other player. He’s a tough competitor, but this injury could effect Conley’s future and the Grizzlies’ season.
Long Term vs. Short Term
If the Grizzlies shut down Conley for two straight weeks, Conley would miss six games, setting a return November 29th against the Spurs in San Antonio.
If the Grizzlies don’t shut Conley down and continues to log 30+ minutes a game, the team risks long-term effects from this achilles. If Dave Fizdale wants this team to win now, he’ll have to rely on Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans to carry the team the next two weeks.
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If Conley sits out how will the team respond?
The team should respond fine.
Guards Ben McLemore, and Wayne Selden are now officially healthy. Their return adds depth to the team that’s much needed in Conley’s absence.
While Gasol doesn’t want to claim a leadership role, he has to. In fact, I think he’ll do a great job in this six-game run — which could help him find some momentum.
Who takes Mike’s job at starting point guard will be talked about, but Mario Chalmers would be the way to go. Of course, Tyreke Evans has been more than outstanding for the Grizzlies, but Chalmers is just a small weapon off of a deep bench.
The bench unit can continue to be the most productive bench in the league with Evans at the helm.
Related Story: What in the world is wrong with Mike Conley?
It’s a win-win for Conley and the team
Both Conley and the Grizzlies win in this situation, as it’s a short term setback — if anything. Not doubting that this team is better with Conley on the floor, but a powerless conductor is clearly hurting the team at this point.
Conley should take a much-needed breather both for his achilles and his game.
There’s one thing that we can all agree on: Conley doesn’t look like himself, and we’ll be all in for the return of “Captain Clutch” if it means two weeks of rest.