Mike Conley Jr.
Grizzlies all-time leading scorer and four-time NBA Sportsmanship Award winner.
Michael Alexander Conley Jr. (born October 11, 1987) is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selection (1 time, 2021 with Utah Jazz)
Lore & Background
Conley played alongside Greg Oden at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, winning three state championships and 103 games. He spent 12 seasons with the Grizzlies and became the team's all-time leading scorer before being traded to the Utah Jazz in 2019, where he made his first All-Star Game in 2021, then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023, playing three seasons there. Conley has the most NBA Sportsmanship Awards of all time, with four selections. On July 7, 2026, he signed with the Boston Celtics.
In Their Own Story
The FedExForum arena hummed with a low, electric tension as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter of a playoff game against the Lakers. Mike Conley wiped sweat from his brow, his jersey soaked but his eyes locked on the play call. With seconds left and no timeouts remaining, he drove hard into the paint, drawing the defense before kicking it out to an open shooter. It was a moment that defined his career: not just the scoring, but the unselfish leadership that turned a chaotic situation into a victory.
Reader's Guide
Conley played one season at Ohio State, averaging 11.3 points and leading the Big Ten in assists (6.1 per game). He and Greg Oden led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and NCAA runner-up finish. Conley was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. He entered the 2007 NBA draft after his freshman year. With the Grizzlies, he was a full-time starter from 2009 onward, helped the team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2013, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He received the NBA Sportsmanship Award multiple times. Conley missed significant time due to injuries, including a fractured vertebra in 2016, a left Achilles injury in 2017–18 that ended his season, and a left foot injury in 2016 that ended his regular season.
Did You Know?
- Conley scored a career-high 36 points in a 2014 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers.
- He set a franchise postseason record with 35 points in a 2017 playoff win over the San Antonio Spurs.
- Conley has never received a technical foul in his NBA career as of May 2025.
- He was the first Grizzlies player to be named to an All-Defensive Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Conley Jr.?
He served as the primary ball-handler for the Grizzlies between 2007 and 2019, becoming a defining name in the team's past. His durability is unmatched, as he currently holds the club records for most games played and assists distributed.
What role did Mike Conley play during the Grit and Grind era?
Conley acted as the central engine of the roster, managing the offense while establishing a defensive culture that turned Memphis into consistent playoff participants. His guidance shaped a period defined by toughness and determination over his ten years with the club.
How many times was Mike Conley selected as an All-Star with Memphis?
During his time with the Grizzlies, he earned NBA All-Star honors on four separate occasions. These selections highlight his status as one of the league's premier guards during that specific period.
Why is Mike Conley considered a franchise legend?
Fans revere him because he tops the record books for appearances and passing, proving his unmatched consistency over the years. He steered the squad from being a new expansion team into a formidable force within the league.
When did Mike Conley Jr.'s story with the Grizzlies end?
His tenure concluded after the 2018-2019 season, ending his thirteen-year run as the face of the franchise. Although he has since played for other teams, his legacy remains deeply tied to Memphis basketball.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Memphis Grizzlies universe
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