In his 16th NBA season, Mike Conley is averaging a career-high of 8.2 assists.
After the organization dealt its prized guard (Donovan Mitchell) and rim protector (Rudy Gobert), Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley expected to hear about the franchise making another significant move.
“Like everyone else, I was also waiting for a phone call to tell me I was moving elsewhere,” said Conley.
Much to his surprise, Conley continues to don a Jazz uniform. Unexpectedly, Utah has kicked off the 2022-23 NBA season with one of the strongest starts.
The Jazz (11-6) rectified a three-game losing streak with a 134-133 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night and reclaimed the top spot in the West on Saturday with a 118-113 win over the Trail Blazers. In his 16th NBA season, Conley has played a large part in Utah’s success with his production (10.7 points, 8.1 assists) and leadership.
Recently, Conley had a conversation with NBA.com regarding his gameplay, his mentoring of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, his experience playing under first-year head coach Will Hardy, and his uncertain future.
Editor’s note: The following 1-on-1 conversation has been condensed and edited.
What explains the strong start?
The atmosphere here is quite distinct from any team I’ve been part of before. We have a deep roster, with each player possessing individual objectives to defy external expectations and demonstrate our potential for improvement. We all possess this tenacity and determination. When you combine all these elements, you get the result that you’re witnessing now. Participating in this has been incredibly enjoyable.
Did you see this coming?
I can’t say that I did. I didn’t think it would be this right away. Our schedule has been really tough to start the season. But we’ve been a team that just goes out there. We don’t care who we play. We’re going to play harder, smarter and try to win the game. We’ve been able to do that on a lot of occasions.
After the Jazz traded Donovan and Rudy, were you also expecting to be dealt?
Up until training camp, I was uncertain about what the future held. I was unsure about who would be present and whether I would still be a part of the team. Once it was confirmed that I would at least start the season here, I shifted my concentration to the essential aspects and got ready to play. I believe in letting things unfold as they should. However, while I’m still here, I intend to perform to the best of my ability and contribute as much as possible to the team.
Has the front office offered any more clarity to you since the season started?
Nothing changes from my viewpoint. I plan to continue doing what I’m doing. Justin [Zanik] and Danny [Ainge] have always been open about everything. If anything arises, they will inform me. But at the moment, my focus is solely on the team. I enjoy it immensely. The organization is fantastic. Both Ryan [Smith] and Danny are wonderful. Will Hardy has been fantastic as well. Let’s wait and see.
In the meantime, how have you approached your role?
I’m fully embracing the situation. There was a lot of activity happening this summer with the trades. But in the end, you find yourself back where you started, and there’s a reason for that. I’m here for my teammates, and they’re here for me. We’re not here just to rebuild. Everyone in the locker room is here with a goal to win and compete. That has been my objective from the start. It feels great to be part of a team that shares this commitment. I strive to be the best leader I can be for them, constantly offering guidance, particularly to Collin [Sexton] and JC [Jordan Clarkson].
What has been your message to Clarkson?
I’m attempting to encourage him to evolve into a more skilled playmaker. He’s executed this wonderfully. It’s subtle aspects like these where I’m trying to integrate elements of my game into his. He has the ability to score and to be assertive. However, he would truly excel if he learned to take two dribbles to the corner or to make the additional pass. He has genuinely embraced this concept.
It’s been interesting to notice how my gaming style is influencing him slightly, particularly his mindset towards the game. It’s definitely beneficial. However, there are moments when it’s best to step back. Don’t obstruct his progress. Allow him to be himself. He has the freedom to shoot the ball whenever he chooses, and to let it loose.
What have you seen in Sexton’s development?
He’s exercising patience, carefully choosing his moments. Despite his ability to rush into the game at full throttle, he sometimes gets a bit too immersed. We make a habit of reviewing game footage together during each airplane journey, spending either an hour or an hour-and-a-half discussing every play. So far, our relationship has been quite productive and enjoyable.
What have the film sessions been like?
They’ve displayed honesty and authenticity. Our interactions often involve laughter, especially when questioning certain decisions like, ‘Why did you make that pass; what was your thought process?’ But it’s all in good spirit. The feedback is enlightening and educational. He’s handled the criticism well.
Will Hardy also said you have helped him a lot. How do you help a first-year head coach?
We often engage in conversation, including during film sessions, where he participates as well. His presence at the back with us is a constant as we discuss matters. Although it’s his inaugural experience, I do my best to assist him, but he’s already quite knowledgeable. His contribution has been exceptionally beneficial to us, and we’re appreciative of his involvement. It revolves around player management. Frequently, he would inquire about the best way to approach a particular player, or whether we should schedule or cancel practices on specific days, and how the team would react.
What has been your feedback to him about those questions?
During our trip to LA, we initially had a break from practice. However, after defeating the Lakers, a number of us likely went out or had a late meal. He then proposed, ‘Should we wake them up and hold practice?’ I responded, ‘That sounds like a wise move. We wouldn’t want them sleeping until the early afternoon. It would be better to get them out and active.’ This type of communication is really beneficial.
How have you felt physically?
I’m in excellent shape, which is amusing considering I hadn’t felt much after my right hamstring injury two years ago. People tend to focus on my health a lot, but I’ve been fit for two years now. That injury was an isolated incident, but the label has stuck with me. Nevertheless, I feel fantastic. The younger ones are keeping me youthful and giving me a workout daily. I’m honestly just having a great time.
After you signed your extension in the 2021 offseason, you told me you were going to refine your regimen. What have you been doing?
I have incorporated yoga into my routine and made numerous small changes in my diet. I am now prioritizing sleep, something that is very important to me. I make an effort to ensure I get adequate sleep and wake up early to follow a rigid schedule. My aim is to get at least seven to eight uninterrupted hours of sleep. I have eliminated red meat and pork from my diet and increased my intake of fish and other foods rich in vitamins and fiber. I have also added weight lifting to my routine. I lift weights after each game and even on the following day. This focus on my physical health is a new thing for me.
Why didn’t you do that earlier?
Initially, I always thought it would leave me feeling exhausted for the next day. However, I’ve managed to build up a tolerance so that my hamstrings and quads are no longer a problem. I’ve concentrated on strengthening these areas, which has proven to be an effective solution thus far.
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Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.
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