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Memphis Grizzlies Should Consider Resting Mike Conley Often to Finish Season

By Christian Dudley

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 2: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 2, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 2: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 2, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With the 2018-19 NBA season coming to a close in a month, it would be wise for the Memphis Grizzlies to consider often resting Mike Conley.

As the Memphis Grizzlies currently reside in 14th position of the 15-team Western Conference, now is the time to be smart with lineups and rotations. This conversation ultimately starts with Mike Conley.

The 12-year veteran point guard has returned to full health in the 2018-19 NBA season. He has miraculously played in 61 of 65 possible games this season, which is something the majority of Grizzlies fans did not believe would happen.

Following a Sunday loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies fell to a 25-40 record. One key item took place ahead of the matchup versus OKC, and it could certainly become a trend through the final 17 contests. Honestly, it the decision should be made to make it happen.

Related Story. Injury Nearly Prevented Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley from Returning to Form. light

Mike Conley missed the matchup due to “general soreness,” according to the Grizzlies. This marked just the fourth game of the season missed by Memphis’ starting point guard, who is on track to play in the most games his career has seen in a single season since 2012-13.

In considering the Memphis Grizzlies’ lost season in addition to Mike Conley’s stability, there is nothing left for “Captain Clutch” to prove in 2018-19. He has gained the attention of all other NBA franchises; the basketball world knows he is back on top and ideally as good as ever before. Now, the Grizzlies cannot afford to risk a fluke injury.

It is apparent that Memphis’ Front Office will continue to shop Conley’s contract around NBA Draft time in hopes of landing an appealing trade package including future first-round picks. The Grizzlies need to pull an old trick out of their back pocket a la the 2018 Tyreke Evans trade rumor fiasco. They need to place Mike on a shelf for the remainder of the 82-game season.

If Mike Conley continues to receive rest this season — even if it is in back-to-back scenarios at a minimum — it is likely in an effort to preserve his value, which was relatively high at the NBA Trade Deadline.

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His value will increase as the NBA Draft draws near, too, when opposing teams have a greater understanding of assets in their rightful possessions. The Memphis Grizzlies cannot afford to miss on an opportunity to cash in big on Conley if they actually were to move him to another team. The return on his deal will greatly determine the length of the rebuilding phase the franchise is now entering.

In speaking of the rebuilding phase, often resting Mike Conley will provide ample opportunity to give guys such as Jevon Carter and Delon Wright to prove what they are made of.

It is a time for these youngsters to be unleashed on the hardwood for the first time in their respective careers. Ater all, Carter and Wright are the two most likely candidates to headline the battle for the starting point guard spot if and when Conley makes his departure from the 901. Why not expedite this development process?

Aside from more deep playoff runs, there is not much left for Mike Conley to accomplish with the Memphis Grizzlies. In the franchise’s record books, he narrowly retained a firm grasp as the leader in games played as a Grizzly with 779 and counting. He is first in three-point shots made and second in total points scored. Mike is first in all-time assists. First in steals. The list goes on.

If it is not an NBA World Championship, Mike Conley has done everything imaginable for the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis. Though an NBA All-Star selection has not been handed to No. 11, that is not a knock on the Ohio State product. Perhaps he will accomplish that yet — whether in Memphis or elsewhere.

Next. Memphis Grizzlies' Jevon Carter Uses Career Night to Prove Worth, Role. dark

For now, in a lost season, it is best to begin the trend of resting Mike and allowing the Convey Squad to determine this 2018-19 group’s fate. After all, this is a rebuild.

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