Mike Conley’s assertiveness is shining through at Timberwolves training camp

Mike Conley, a veteran point guard entering his 19th NBA season at age 38, is reflecting on his career and recent performance as training camp begins. Known for his leadership and on-court problem-solving, Conley acknowledges he did not meet his own standards last season, particularly during the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City, where he averaged just 4.4 points and shot 21% in a five-game loss. Despite this, he is determined not to fade in the final year of his contract, showing increased assertiveness in camp.

Conley believes that to regain his form and help the Timberwolves succeed, he needs more ball control and initiation on offense, emphasizing that this allows him to better dictate the game's flow without necessarily taking more shots. He diplomatically frames this as a plea for trust from his teammates, recognizing that the team belongs to Anthony Edwards and that younger players like Rob Dillingham are competing for minutes. Conley argues that being more involved prevents stagnation and enables him to make a quicker impact.

Statistically, Conley is coming off a season with career lows in points (8.2 per game), minutes (24.7), and 2-point percentage (.380), partly due to injuries to his ankle and wrist that limited his offseason training and caused a slow start. However, his shooting improved as the season progressed, with a 41% three-point rate overall and 45% from three-point range after January 1. Analytics show the Timberwolves performed 3.4 points better per 100 possessions with him on the court, underscoring his value. Conley holds himself accountable, insisting he is capable of much more and is focused on contributing effectively in the upcoming season.