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Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley Participates in USA Basketball Mini Camp

By Christian Dudley

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 25: Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry sign autographs during USAB Minicamp in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Las Vegas on July 25, 2018. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 25: Mike Conley and Kyle Lowry sign autographs during USAB Minicamp in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Wynn Las Vegas on July 25, 2018. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley has returned to the hardwood after missing nearly a full season in 2017-18. How good is this news?

The last time the Memphis Grizzlies’ fan base saw its leading floor general — Mike Conley — in action, the date was November 13th of 2017. It has been quite some time since the team’s highest-paid player has been game-ready.

Things began to change for the better recently when footage surfaced of “Captain Clutch” showing off his vertical leap. Being as a significant and lingering Achilles injury is the reason for the Grizzlies sidelining No. 11 early in last season’s schedule, the video is relieving to watch. Not only is Conley healed, but it looks as if he is as good as ever when it comes to his jumping ability.

On Thursday, the future became even brighter. Mike Conley has joined his NBA peers in Las Vegas for the two-day USA Basketball Mini Camp. This is not his first spin with Team USA, though he has not donned the USA uniform above exhibition play.

No boot. No brace. It appears as if the Memphis Grizzlies’ star point guard is fully recovered and ready for action without restrictions. Though just a snippet, you can see that Mike participated in drills this afternoon.

https://twitter.com/nba/status/1022567514331537408?s=21

While some may be hard-set on the thought Mike Conley needs to take it slow until the season arrives, he really is not overdoing anything. He is getting in a few workouts and repetitions with the best talent the NBA has to offer. This will pay dividends toward the Grizzlies’ efforts to make another strong push toward a playoff appearance in 2018-19. The Ohio State product is perhaps the most crucial factor achieving that goal.

If anything, it is refreshing to see Mike being able to compete with and against such tough competition two months before the arrival of training camp. In the 12 regular season games Conley played in 2017-18, he definitely was not himself. Fans knew something was up, so him being shut down was not surprising. It was tough to sit through so many losses, but it paid off via the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft.

At the very least, it is great to have a member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster representing the team in this gathering of the best American players around the league. Not every NBA franchise can say the same. Conley was quoted by NBA media in saying “being a part of USA Basketball is one of the highest honors I can have as a basketball player.” It truly is a special honor and Mike absolutely needs to take advantage of the opportunity.

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For the Grizzlies, Marc Gasol represents Spain. Dillon Brooks is off to a fast start in representing Canada. Aside from Conley, the Grizzlies do not have another clearcut name to soon represent the team within USA Basketball. Jaren Jackson Jr. may be next, but that idea is years away from fruition.

For now, Grizz Nation can gain valuable insight into Mike Conley’s health and readiness by watching his progression against this elite bunch. Continue to stick with Beale Street Bears to follow Conley’s summertime journey with Team USA.

Go Grizz! 

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