Mike Conley taking control

La Bomba · Mar 24, 2009

Mike Conley's progress continues to provide a recurring theme for the pregame talks Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins conducts with the media.

The conversation was no different Monday night before the Grizzlies took on the Miami Heat in American Airlines Arena.

Reporters catching up with Hollins for the first time since he took over the bench often ask what's been the key to developing a snapshot of his second-year point guard's potential.

Hollins' detailed responses could be summed up in a word: freedom.

Conley's newfound autonomy on the court is an ongoing process -- something demonstrated recently by Hollins' growing confidence.

"In the past few games, I've given him the whole list of plays that I had," Hollins said. "I told him to study the plays and figure out what plays he's comfortable with. I also gave him a list of plays for each of the individuals we would like to go to and told him to make sure that each of the players got these plays every so often."

In short: Conley no longer must look to the bench for instructions on every offensive possession. Playing with the trust of the coaching staff has also boosted Conley's confidence with his shooting.

He's appeared more comfortable shooting from the perimeter and routinely attacks the basket off the dribble. Conley has shown marked improvement from beyond the arc where he's shooting 42 percent over the past 57 games.

Conley made just 1-of-12 3-pointers in the first 12 games to start the season.

"He's taken the bull by the horns," Hollins said. "He's come out and he's been aggressive.

Conley has scored in double digits in 22 of the last 26 games, including a career-best 15 straight from Jan. 28-March 3. He's led the team in assists in 20 of the last 26 games.

"I've been given more responsibility as the weeks have gone by. I'm learning different ways to be a leader, and we've been experimenting in games. It might not look too good right now but it's going to pay off," said Conley who is averaging 14 points, 5.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds since Jan. 25 when Hollins took over.
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Still not a bust.

Moo2K4 · Mar 24, 2009

I still think Conley has the potential to be a damn good PG. His shooting continues to improve and he's got great passing abilities. I don't see any reason why he can't average 18ppg and 10apg at some point in his career.

Denny Crane · Mar 25, 2009

PGs are generally slow to develop. He's on track to be a very fine one.

La Bomba · Mar 25, 2009

With Iavaroni he didn't fit because Iavaroni made him a shooter and Conley rarely drove. His rookie year he had injury problems. I think next year will be his break out year.

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Mike Conley taking control

La Bomba The Future

Moo2K4 NBA West Producer

Denny Crane It's not even loaded! Staff Member Administrator

La Bomba The Future

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Mike Conley taking control

La Bomba The Future

Moo2K4 NBA West Producer

Denny Crane It's not even loaded! Staff Member Administrator

La Bomba The Future

Share This Page

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