It seems like the NBA is getting into a trend of stars going back to their roots with Chris Paul joining the Clippers and Damian Lillard going back to Portland.
In Memphis, that raises an interesting question: Would the Grizzlies be better off without Mike Conley?
Should Mike Conley Return to the Memphis Grizzlies?
Mike Conley’s Legacy with the Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley was more than just a point guard for Memphis—he was the face of the franchise during the Grit-and-Grind era. Over 12 seasons, he became the all-time leader in points, assists, and steals while helping guide the team to multiple playoff runs.
His departure in 2019 was emotional, but it was also necessary at the time as Memphis transitioned into the Ja Morant era. Yet now, as Conley enters the twilight of his career, a reunion seems tempting. But does it make basketball sense?
Mike Conley’s 2025 Stats: Still Productive Late in Career
Examining the numbers, Conley has remained remarkably consistent despite his advancing age.
In the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he appeared in 71 games and averaged 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 24.7 minutes per game.
The previous season, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.9 assists while playing nearly 29 minutes per night. While no longer the All-Star-level scorer he once was, Conley continues to provide efficient playmaking and veteran poise.
His career averages of 14.1 points and 5.7 assists per game across 1,172 contests prove he’s had a long and productive NBA journey.
Conley’s Best Years Came in Memphis
Some of his best years were, of course, in Memphis. In the 2018-19 season, his final year with the Grizzlies, he averaged 21.1 points and 6.4 assists. He also had standout seasons in 2016-17 with 20.5 points and 6.3 assists per game, and in 2013-14 with 17.2 points and 6.0 assists. These were the years that helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest Grizzlies of all time.
Memphis Grizzlies 2025 Roster
While Conley’s production is still respectable, the real question is whether Memphis has room for him on the current roster. Right now, the Grizzlies are loaded at the point guard position. Morant is the clear-cut starter and centerpiece of the franchise.
Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. are two guys that can go in as backups behind him. Another intriguing prospect is Javon Small, a second-round rookie with a lot of potential who had a solid Summer League and will likely be a top focus for the team’s development going forward.
What Mike Conley Could Bring to the Grizzlies Locker Room
Bringing Conley back would crowd an already congested position group. It could limit opportunities for younger players, particularly Small and Pippen Jr., both of whom need consistent reps to grow. Even Jerome, who offers spacing and stability when healthy, would be squeezed for minutes if Conley were added to the mix.
However, Conley’s leadership and experience remain valuable assets. His playoff savvy, calm demeanor, and understanding of Memphis’ culture could be crucial in the locker room. If he were brought in primarily as a mentor or in a reduced on-court role—playing limited minutes while serving as a player-coach hybrid—he could add tremendous value behind the scenes. His influence on a young team navigating high expectations would be invaluable.
Why a Mike Conley Grizzlies Reunion Doesn’t Fit
Reuniting at this time doesn’t seem feasible, despite the sentimental value and seasoned presence that Conley could offer.
There are just too many point guards on the Grizzlies’ roster and not enough playing time for everyone. Adding another floor general seems like a waste until there are injuries or a roster shakeup. Fans, however, shouldn’t write it off entirely.
Midway through the season, Conley might prove to be the perfect addition for the Grizzlies should they require stability down the road or suffer a guard injury.
Memphis, on the other hand, will probably stick with its current nucleus for the time being.
Even while it would be wonderful to see No. 11 play for Beale Street Blue again, the roster isn’t quite right—at least not yet.
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