Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley points to a larger problem within the franchise

Mike Conley’s unexpected season-ending surgery is just the latest example of a lack of transparency around the franchise.

It had become the belief of many, including myself, that the Memphis Grizzlies were going to hold out Mike Conley for the rest of the year. After all, the team had no chance of making the playoffs and needed to improve its draft position. When Conley has returned from injury before, he often has done so too soon, never allowing his injuries to fully heal. It made too much sense for the team to try to bring him back this year.

However, no one was really expecting the news that he needed surgery.

Mike Conley last played on November 13th. Not once since that time has there been any true news regarding his recovery. Sure, there have been some reports that he has played some 3 on 3 and has done some shooting workouts. But anything about a possible return date? Absolutely nothing.

The Memphis Grizzlies released “two-week updates” for Mike Conley ever since he went out. Most of the time, the “update” would be that they would reevaluate him in two more weeks. If you were hoping for more tangible updates about his recovery, you were going to be disappointed.

It’s long past time for a come-to-Jesus moment for the Memphis Grizzlies regarding transparency.

The Jordan Adams Fiasco

After an impressive rookie season, Jordan Adams partially tore his meniscus in his right knee after the 2014-15 season. Though he went through rehab, he would only play two games the next year–and in a Grizzlies uniform, period. During the 2015-16 season, the team gave a vague statement that said he had an “unrelated injury” to the same knee. He would have a second surgery on that knee.

However, after that, there was hardly anything. No real updates and no timetable. Just months of quiet speculation and worry. What had happened to the Grizzlies’ 23rd pick from 2014?

Finally, the team cut him in October of 2016 without much fanfare.

To this day, the Jordan Adams fiasco does not set well with fans of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Parsons Dilemma

There is perhaps nothing more brittle in the city of Memphis than Chandler Parsons’ knees. Since the beginning of the 2016-17 season, he has only played in 50 games. His injury history is well-known.

Regardless, this is getting ridiculous.

The last game that Parsons played in was against the Lakers on December 27th. Ever since then, the Grizzlies Injury Report lists him as “Day-to-day” with knee soreness.

Let me be the first to say that I am not a doctor. I have not gone to Harvard or Duke medical school. If I were treating you for a cold, you’d probably leave with the flu. You should not trust me with things of a medical nature.

All of that being said, I don’t think sore knees keeps an NBA player out of action for over a month.

If it’s a structural problem (which, knowing Chandler, it very well could be), then it is very bad.

However, that right there is the very problem. We don’t know. There have been no true updates to his condition. Are the Grizzlies holding him out simply because they are “tanking” and don’t want to risk their investment? Or is there something truly wrong with Chandler Parsons?

If there was transparency around the Memphis Grizzlies, then this wouldn’t even be a question.

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A Lack of Accountability

The lack of transparency around the Grizzlies’ organization has become a real problem over the last few years. The problem is simple: If the general public is not aware of the details of an organization, it gives that organization free reign to do whatever it wants without any fear of criticism.

This lack of openness suggest an attitude of mistrust and a lack of confidence from the franchise itself. Perhaps Grind City Media, the personal news arm of the Memphis Grizzlies, has only made the problem worse (although Mike Wallace did break the news today).

As for who is responsible for this atmosphere surrounding the team, it would probably be wise to start with the top of the front office.

Regardless, there needs to be more transparency surrounding the franchise going forward.