The Grizzlies currently have one of the NBA’s worst records, with their 12-27 mark putting them in a tie for last place in the Western Conference. Still, in a recent interview with Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, injured point guard Mike Conley expressed optimism that the team can still turn things around and make a run at a playoff spot this season.
“I know we are near the bottom right now, but we definitely have enough time,” Conley said. “We have enough time if we are able to put everything together in a short period of time and put enough wins together to make a run. Health is the key. Health is the No. 1 thing. Not try to rush everything. Just make that push by making sure everything is in order, like myself and the rest of the guys that are banged up.”
Speaking to Spears, Conley also addressed David Fizdale‘s ouster, his nagging Achilles injury, his contract, and the state of the Grizzlies — on that last point, Conley acknowledged that the team’s outlook has undergone “a 180” since the start of the season, but reiterated that he still believes the ship can be righted.
Here’s more out of Memphis:
- The club would be better off waving the white flag on this season and pointing toward a more realistic playoff push next season, Chris Herrington of the Memphis Commercial Appeal opines. The franchise could make a quick turnaround by bringing in a high draft pick to go along with its veteran core, Herrington continues. That means reducing the minutes of Marc Gasol and Chandler Parsons and allowing Mike Conley’s sore Achilles to fully heal. They should also move the expiring contracts of Tyreke Evans and Brandan Wright before the trade deadline, Herrington adds.
- Evans can only be offered the mid-level exception, so the team would be wise to trade him now and perhaps make another run at him in the summer, as Herrington explains in a separate piece. Herrington proposes potential trades involving Evans to the Spurs, Wizards, Pelicans, Pistons and Raptors, mostly involving a player or two and a first-round pick.
- Earlier today, we passed along an update from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on the Grizzlies’ potential asking price for Evans and the team’s unwillingness to consider moving Marc Gasol.
Dana Gauruder contributed to this post.
It’s the same old song with Conley every single year, then people wonder why he is so underrated because he is NEVER healthy enough to do anything significant in his career.
Just tank the season for Porter Jr.
Why do people think a high draft pick is required to go along with the veteran core. It doesn’t have to be a high pick, just a GOOD pick. Two of the best picks from last year were Donovan Mitchell and Kyle Kuzma, #13 and #27. The biggest misconception around is that you have to have a high draft pick to win in the NBA.