The Unassuming Rise of Mike Conley: Looking Back at his Draft Year
Alright, let's talk about Mike Conley. A name synonymous with consistency, professionalism, and… well, maybe a touch of underratedness. He's been around the NBA block a few times, hasn't he? And it all started back in, you guessed it, his draft year.
We’re going to take a trip down memory lane, all the way back to 2007. Feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?
The Lead-Up to the Draft: Ohio State and the Lottery Buzz
Before the bright lights of the NBA, Mike Conley Jr. (that’s right, Junior!) was tearing it up at Ohio State alongside Greg Oden. Remember those Buckeye teams? They were good. Seriously good. They made it all the way to the National Championship game, ultimately falling to a stacked Florida squad led by Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer.
Conley, though, was a key piece. He wasn’t the flashy scorer, but he was the steady hand, the floor general. A true point guard, even back then. He showed poise and basketball IQ that were beyond his years. You could tell he got the game.
Because of that championship run, and the immense talent on that roster (Oden was a monster), both Conley and Oden generated serious lottery buzz leading up to the 2007 NBA Draft. Everyone knew they were going to be top picks. The question wasn't if, it was where.
The speculation was rampant. Who would take Oden? Would anyone gamble on Conley? And could they coexist on the same NBA team? These were the burning questions dominating the pre-draft conversation.
Draft Night Drama: Memphis Makes a Move
And then came draft night itself. The Portland Trail Blazers, holding the number one overall pick, made the expected move and selected Greg Oden. No surprise there. Then, with the second pick, the Seattle Supersonics (soon to be the Oklahoma City Thunder) took Kevin Durant. Another no-brainer.
But the interesting stuff started happening a little further down. The Atlanta Hawks took Al Horford at number three (that Florida team was really paying dividends!), and then...
With the fourth overall pick, the Memphis Grizzlies selected Mike Conley Jr. Boom! It was a bit of a surprise to some. Some mock drafts had him going a bit lower, maybe to Sacramento. But the Grizzlies clearly saw something they liked in Conley’s game. They saw a leader, a playmaker, a guy who could run their offense.
It was a bold move, and one that would define the next decade of Grizzlies basketball.
The moment he walked on stage, you could tell Conley was ready. No flashy celebration, just a quiet confidence. That’s him in a nutshell, right?
Initial Expectations and Early Struggles: Growing Pains in Memphis
Coming into the league, the expectations for Conley were high, but reasonable. He wasn’t expected to be a superstar right away. The Grizzlies knew he was a project, a long-term investment.
His rookie season wasn’t exactly amazing. He showed flashes of brilliance, but also struggled with consistency, as most rookies do. He was playing behind veteran Kyle Lowry, so his minutes were limited. His shooting percentage wasn't great, and he had his share of turnovers. Basically, it was a typical rookie season.
But the important thing was that he was learning. He was soaking up everything he could from Lowry and the coaching staff. He was working hard on his game. You could see him improving bit by bit.
The Lowry/Conley Dynamic
The presence of Kyle Lowry in Memphis complicated things a little. Two point guards vying for playing time is never an easy situation. But both players handled it with professionalism. They pushed each other, made each other better. Eventually, the Grizzlies traded Lowry, clearing the way for Conley to take over as the starting point guard.
That trade, in hindsight, was a defining moment for Conley's career. It gave him the opportunity to truly showcase his talents and develop into the player we know today.
The Grit and Grind Era: Conley Becomes a Pillar
Once Conley became the full-time starter, he started to blossom. He developed a great rapport with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. They formed the core of the “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies – a team known for its toughness, its defense, and its old-school style of play.
Conley was the engine that made that team go. He was the guy who set the tone on both ends of the floor. He was a relentless defender, a smart playmaker, and a clutch scorer.
That era of Grizzlies basketball, led by Conley, was special. They weren’t always the flashiest team, but they were always competitive. They were always tough to beat. They made multiple playoff appearances, even reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2013.
Conley became a beloved figure in Memphis. He was more than just a basketball player; he was part of the community. He was a leader, both on and off the court.
Beyond Memphis: A New Chapter and Continued Success
After a long and successful run in Memphis, Conley was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2019. It was a bittersweet moment for Grizzlies fans. They were sad to see him go, but they also knew he deserved a chance to compete for a championship.
He found success in Utah, forming a dynamic duo with Donovan Mitchell. He proved that he could still play at a high level, even as he got older. He even earned his first All-Star selection in 2021, a well-deserved honor for a guy who had been consistently overlooked for so long.
Now, he's with the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding veteran leadership and savvy to another promising team.
So, when you think about Mike Conley, remember his draft year. Remember the expectations, the early struggles, and the eventual triumph. Remember the "Grit and Grind" era in Memphis. He wasn't the flashiest player, but he was a consistent, reliable, and invaluable player for any team he's been a part of. He's a testament to hard work, dedication, and the importance of being a true professional. And honestly, that's something to admire.