The Memphis Grizzlies opted to keep Mike Conley on their roster. He is set to be the leader as the team prepares for a new era after the NBA Trade Deadline.
For any Memphis Grizzlies fan, this week has been rough. With the uncertainty of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol on the trading block, everyone has wanted the trade deadline to hurry up and get here.
So, at the announcement of Gasol going to the Toronto Raptors, many fans were excited for him but very sad to see him go. What helped in this matter, was the franchise point guard staying home.
The announcement of Conley to stay in Memphis has increased Memphis’ name across multiple national platforms. The Grizzlies have brought in players from around the league with today’s trades but why would they decide to keep Conley around?
With fans and the league urging Memphis to build around Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies front office has reiterated to the fans that, for now, The Grizzlies are still Conley’s team. His leadership on and off the floor will help mold and bring this team closer.
Yes, it will take time for new players to adjust but when they do, this Memphis team will have some offense that they have previously lacked. Take Justin Holiday, for example, his first games in Memphis were not great but as he has gotten acclimated to his new team he is now confident and increasing his averages across every category.
New players, Conley, and the all-star break will be a huge help to Memphis. Give them a week, and you’ll see why he was not traded. Number 11 is the true Conductor of the Grizzlies and that will be seen in the coming weeks.
He is not a flashy point guard but his humility is the reason others grow around him and why he belongs in Memphis. He will continue to bring that core four mentalities to this new group to remind the league that Memphis is a city built on basketball.