3 Keys to the Importance of Mike Conley Becoming Memphis Grizzlies’ All-Time Scoring Leader

All-Time Greatest Grizzly

Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, Mike Conley has been the best thing to happen to the franchise since being located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mike has steadily improved year over year. He has steered the Grizzlies’ ship in the direction of the postseason for seven consecutive seasons as the club’s starting point guard from start to finish. Conley has been a constant in the best days in Grizzlies franchise history.

When you think of the Memphis Grizzlies, the rest of the league remembers the Core Four era. Along with Mike Conley, there were counterparts Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, and Marc Gasol. Those glory days are in the past as the franchise has split ways with three out of these four Grizzly legends. “Captain Clutch” is the last man standing in Memphis.

Being the last member of the Core Four on the existing Grizz roster does not make Mike Conley the all-time greatest player in this team’s history. It is the clutch shots. The victories — regular season and playoff games both. The community work. His character.

But wait, there is more.

Through all of this season’s NBA trade rumors, Mike has not complained. He has addressed the rumors publicly, and has acknowledged that his time in Memphis could soon come to a close. However, he understands it is a business and has remained professional throughout it all. While he was retained at February’s NBA Trade Deadline, he has only pushed forward rather than dwelling on the Grizzlies’ trade efforts.

More from Beale Street Bears

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Loss after loss, Mike Conley has not demanded a trade. He has not begged to get shipped out of town. This guy has perhaps the best focus in the entire NBA. Even in games, he has yet to be assessed a technical foul, all while receiving little favor from the officiating crews night-in and night-out.

Points are not everything. It is far from it. Fans of the Memphis Grizzlies totally understand this because, after all, their team is a defense-first organization. Yet, this is the final component to Mike Conley’s legacy to determine which player ranks first overall in team history.

Before the month of March, most people would have answered with “Zach Randolph.” Now, after a 40-point game, some thrilling fourth quarter performances, a Player of the Week award, and becoming the Grizzlies’ all-time leading scorer, the conversation should no longer be a toss-up. The answer is now clear. Mike Conley is the Memphis Grizzlies’ all-time greatest player as of March 2019. The scoring title tips him over the edge, giving him the advantage.

Still, Mike’s time in Memphis is not done. He will have at least seven more on-court opportunities to increase his legacy in the hearts of Memphians as well as NBA fans across the globe. In his 12th NBA season, Mike Conley is “Grit-‘N’-Grind.”