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‘No Restrictions’ for Memphis Grizzlies’ Mike Conley is Excellent News

By Chris Kern

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 17: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies lifts weights before the game on March 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 17: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies lifts weights before the game on March 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mike Conley missed most of last season due to injury. His health is one of the keys to the Grizzlies success this season.

In 2017-18, the Memphis Grizzlies went 7-5 in the games that he played in. They had wins over New Orleans, Golden State, Portland, along with defeating Houston twice.

Mike Conley averaged 17.1 points and 4.1 assists through 12 games last season. He only shot 38.1% from the field and 31.2% from three-point range. His impact was still huge for the Grizzlies as he is a very good defender at his position.

His numbers are never elite and that is why he continually gets slept on when discussing the top point guards in the league. Conley impacts the game in a way that the numbers cannot show. If he is healthy, it will be a fun season in Memphis.

Conley is Ready to Go

The team in no way would rush Mike Conley back if they felt he was not truly ready. He became sidelined early last season so he had a lot of time to heal and rehab to be ready for training camp. The Memphis Grizzlies shut him down in order for a full recovery to be made.

Today’s Media Day brought very encouraging news that Mike Conley is going to be 100% for training camp. However, there are a lot of new players on this team that he has not played with or has played very little with.

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2017-18 was much different than the Memphis Grizzlies were expecting it to be. They played many young guys meaningful minutes, which should benefit the team this season. They need to fit those guys in around Conley. Being able to do that with a full training camp and preseason schedule is big for him.

Mike Conley’s ability to have a whole training camp to get adjusted before playing on the court in meaningful games is key for himself from a physical and mental standpoint. An older player coming off a significant injury like he did can be very worrisome, but Mike being a full-go now will help him adjust and be ready for opening night on the road in Indiana.

What Can We Expect Out of Conley?

A healthy Mike Conley is a force to be reckoned with. It is unfair to expect him to play a full 82 games, but if he can play close to 70 games, then I would consider that a success.

This Grizzlies team has made a lot of nice moves this offseason to compliment Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. If those two play well, then this squad is a playoff contender.

It is possible that Conley will be back playing at an All-Star-caliber level. He has had that big of an impact on this team for years even though he has not received the recognition. If he could not make an All-Star Game appearance in the past, it is hard to believe he would make it now post-injury.

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Mike Conley is a talented player who plays hard and gives it his all. That is why the Memphis Grizzlies have fallen in love with him. No matter how the season goes, everyone is excited to see him back in action. They need him in order to compete.

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