Best NBA Draft Lottery pick: Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Conley
Over its first years in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies, who were formally based in Vancouver, had a way of being a regular in the lottery. In its first eight years in the league, the Grizzlies picked in the lottery in each of those years, which included a trio of top two selections. Still, the Grizzles did not find a franchise-changing player that had the ability to lead the team to be a perennial playoff contender.
The Grizzlies continued to have a tough time drafting talents until they picked Mike Conley with their fourth pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies had high expectations coming into this draft as they finished the 2006-2007 season with the worst record in the league. Had the team finished with the top pick in the draft, it would have provided them with a golden opportunity to pick Kevin Durant or Greg Oden.
Still, the Grizzlies selected Conley, who made the Grizzlies forget that they could have drafted the aforementioned players. He spent 12 seasons with the Grizzlies, which included multiple playoff runs. He was also part of the memorable “Grit and Grind” Grizzlies teams that also included the likes of Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen. They embodied what it meant to play physical and tough basketball with the mindset of doing what it took to grind out wins.
Conley finished his Grizzlies career ranking first in points, assists, steals and offensive win shares. It is much debated as to who is the team’s all-time greatest player between him and Marc Gasol.
Mike Conley Memphis Grizzlies stats and accomplishments
- 788 games, 14.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists per game
- 6 playoff appearances