Most devastating injury in Memphis Grizzlies history: Mike Conley
In a way, it’s kind of sad that Mike Conley has spent his entire career playing in the Western Conference. His point guard talent has been overshadowed in that half of the league, which has obstructed most casual NBA fans from his stellar play over the years.
While many of his per-game stats get muted because of the Grizzlies’ grind-it-out style of basketball, Conley has been one of the best two-way point guards in the NBA over the last decade or so. He, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol became the faces of a Memphis franchise, whose ugly but effective methods made them a tough out in the playoffs.
But no matter how long a team tries to make the good times last, they always come to an end. Said end began for Memphis during the 2017-18 season. The year started out well enough for the Grizzlies, opening the year 7-5, but things quickly went south when Conley went down with an Achilles injury, ruling him out indefinitely.
Memphis’ season cratered soon after. They lost their next 10 games, fired head coach David “Take that for data!” Fizdale after some disagreements with Gasol. Once Conley was ruled out for the season following surgery to smoothen a bone protrusion in his left heel, the Grizzlies full embraced tanking. They finished the year 22-60, the team’s worst record since 2008-09.
The good news? Memphis used the lottery pick they received for that dismal season to select Jaren Jackson Jr. in the 2018 draft. He looks like he will be the next low-key star to carry on the “Grit N’ Grind” mentality that this city appreciates.