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Mike Conley not unhappy to still have an important role in Minnesota

With the departures of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, the Jazz exploded during the 2022 offseason, thus beginning a reconstruction which was ultimately quite exciting, with 37 victories for 45 defeats. An important shift therefore, especially for Mike Conley.

The playmaker was used to playing in the playoffs with his two former teammates. In the middle of this new version of Jazz, younger and less ambitious, the former Grizzlies was transformed into a simple veteran, present above all to supervise this little world.

Then, he was transferred to Minnesota during the season, notably to find the French pivot. And here again, its role has evolved, but in a good direction. “We always talk about him as an elder, a voice that brings leadership, but he’s still a hell of a player”recalls Tim Connelly, the president of the Wolves, for The Athletic.

The Wolves needed him

Mike Conley is essential to allow Rudy Gobert to shine. The two know each other and the second has automatisms with the first and obviously, that helps. Additionally, the Wolves wanted an aggressive player on offense, to compensate for the departure of D’Angelo Russell. In short, not a cheap Mike Conley.

“We needed him to score more and take advantage of his automatisms with Gobert”remembers Chris Finch. “Let him take some pressure off Anthony Edwards’ shoulders and be decent in defense. »

In addition to his leadership, his experience and his once again rewarded sportsmanship, Mike Conley contributed 14 points on average at 42% 3-point success during his time in Minnesota. His best averages in these areas since the 2020/21 season.

“They needed me” explains the former Jazz player. “To win, I had to be present. And it gave me a little more motivation on the floor, so that I could be myself. I really thought I would become a player who takes open shots in the corners. So it gave me energy for summer training, to work towards having an important role. And it’s nice to have this confidence from the coach and his staff. They believe in me. It feels good to be yourself again, to still be the same player you were a few years ago. »

Mike Conley Percentage Rebounds
Season Team MJ Min Shots 3pts L.F. Off Def Early Pd Party Int Bp Ct Pts
2007-08 SAME 53 26 42.8 33.0 73.2 0.4 2.2 2.6 4.2 1.6 0.8 1.7 0.0 9.4
2008-09 SAME 82 31 44.2 40.6 81.7 0.3 3.1 3.4 4.3 1.8 1.1 1.7 0.1 10.9
2009-10 SAME 80 32 44.5 38.7 74.3 0.4 2.0 2.4 5.3 2.2 1.4 2.1 0.2 12.0
2010-11 SAME 81 36 44.4 36.9 73.3 0.4 2.7 3.1 6.5 2.3 1.8 2.2 0.2 13.7
2011-12 SAME 62 35 43.3 37.7 86.1 0.4 2.2 2.5 6.5 2.2 2.2 2.0 0.2 12.7
2012-13 SAME 80 35 44.0 36.2 83.0 0.5 2.3 2.8 6.1 2.1 2.2 2.4 0.3 14.6
2013-14 SAME 73 34 45.0 36.1 81.5 0.6 2.4 2.9 6.0 1.9 1.5 2.1 0.2 17.2
2014-15 SAME 70 32 44.6 38.6 85.9 0.4 2.6 3.0 5.4 2.0 1.3 2.2 0.2 15.8
2015-16 SAME 56 31 42.2 36.3 83.4 0.5 2.5 2.9 6.1 1.8 1.2 1.5 0.3 15.3
2016-17 SAME 69 33 46.0 40.8 85.9 0.5 3.0 3.5 6.3 1.8 1.3 2.3 0.3 20.5
2017-18 SAME 12 31 38.1 31.2 80.3 0.0 2.3 2.3 4.1 2.0 1.0 1.5 0.3 17.1
2018-19 SAME 70 34 43.8 36.4 84.5 0.6 2.8 3.4 6.4 1.8 1.3 1.9 0.3 21.1
2019-20 UTH 47 29 40.9 37.5 82.7 0.7 2.5 3.2 4.4 2.2 0.8 2.0 0.1 14.4
2020-21 UTH 51 29 44.4 41.2 85.2 0.7 2.8 3.5 6.0 1.9 1.4 1.9 0.2 16.2
2021-22 UTH 72 29 43.5 40.8 79.6 0.7 2.4 3.0 5.4 2.0 1.3 1.7 0.3 13.7
2022-23 * All Teams 67 30 42.8 38.5 83.4 0.5 2.2 2.7 6.7 2.1 1.1 1.5 0.2 11.9
2022-23 * UTH 43 30 40.8 36.2 81.3 0.4 2.1 2.5 7.7 2.2 1.0 1.7 0.2 10.7
2022-23 * MIN 24 31 46.0 42.0 86.3 0.7 2.5 3.1 5.0 1.9 1.2 1.2 0.2 14.0
Total 1025 32 43.9 38.2 82.0 0.5 2.5 3.0 5.7 2.0 1.4 2.0 0.2 14.7

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.

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