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 simply waiting for the phone call that would take me somewhere else,” said Conley.
Much to his surprise, Conley is still donning a Jazz uniform. Equally surprising is Utah’s remarkably strong start to the 2022-23 NBA season.
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 discussed his performance, mentoring Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, playing under first-year head coach Will Hardy, and his uncertain future with NBA.com.
Editor’s note: The following 1-on-1 conversation has been condensed and edited.
What explains the strong start?
The atmosphere in this team is unlike any other I’ve been a part of. We have a very deep roster. All the guys have their own personal goals and a common desire to challenge the world’s perception of us and show how we can all get better. We all have this tenacity and determination within us. Combine all that together and you can see the outcome. It’s been a real pleasure to be involved in it.
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 didn’t know who would be present, or even if I would be included. Once it was confirmed that I would be starting the season here, I zeroed in on my responsibilities and prepared to play. I decided to adopt a ‘whatever will be, will be’ attitude. But as long as I’m here, I’m committed to performing at my best and contributing as much as possible to this team.
Has the front office offered any more clarity to you since the season started?
Nothing changes from my viewpoint. I intend to continue with my current actions. Justin [Zanik] and Danny [Ainge] have always been crystal clear about everything. If anything comes up, they’ll inform me. But at the moment, my focus is on the team. I adore it. This is a fantastic organization. Ryan [Smith] is wonderful, as is Danny. Will Hardy is doing a fabulous job. Let’s wait and see.
In the meantime, how have you approached your role?
I’m fully committed. There was a lot of upheaval during the summer due to trades. Yet, I find myself right back where I started, and I believe there’s a reason for that. I’m here for my team, as they are for me. We’re not here to start over, but to win and compete. That’s been my objective from the start. It feels great to be part of a team that shares this commitment. I do my best to lead them, offering advice and encouragement, particularly to Collin [Sexton] and JC [Jordan Clarkson].
What has been your message to Clarkson?
I’m attempting to develop him into a more proactive player, and he’s doing an excellent job in embracing this role. I am gradually incorporating elements of my game into his. He has the ability to score and be aggressive. However, if he learns to make two dribbles towards the corner or pass the ball further, it would enhance his game significantly. He has been very receptive to these suggestions.
It’s been amazing to observe how my game is influencing his mindset towards the game. It’s significantly beneficial. However, there are moments when you need to let him be independent. Avoid hindering his progress. Allow him to be himself. He has the freedom to shoot the ball whenever he pleases, and let it fly.
What have you seen in Sexton’s development?
He demonstrates patience and carefully selects his spots. He’s the type of player who can operate at 100 miles per hour and sometimes gets overly absorbed in the game. We spend every plane ride together watching film for about an hour or so. We discuss every single play in detail. This is the kind of rapport we have established so far and it’s been quite productive.
What have the film sessions been like?
They have remained truthful and genuine. We often find humor in our discussions, particularly when questioning each other’s decisions. Yet, it’s all beneficial and educational. He’s managed to accept and handle the feedback quite well.
Will Hardy also said you have helped him a lot. How do you help a first-year head coach?
We have many discussions. He also participates in our film sessions. He will join us at the back and we will converse about it. It’s his maiden experience. I am doing my best to assist him, but he already possesses a wealth of knowledge. He has proven to be a great asset to us and we are grateful for his presence. It’s all about player management. Often, he will inquire about the best way to handle a particular individual. He’ll ask questions like, ‘Should we schedule practice on this day? Should we take this day off? How will the guys react?’
What has been your feedback to him about those questions?
During our trip to LA, we were initially given a break from practice. However, after defeating the Lakers, it’s likely that many of the guys went out to celebrate or stayed up late eating. The suggestion was made, ‘Should we wake them up and hold a practice?’ My response was, ‘That’s probably wise. We wouldn’t want them sleeping until the afternoon. It’s better to get them out of their rooms and moving around.’ Such communication is really beneficial.
How have you felt physically?
I feel fantastic, which is amusing because I haven’t experienced any sensations since that injury to my right hamstring two years ago. However, my health has been the primary topic of discussions about me. For two years now, I’ve maintained good health. That injury was an isolated incident. Yet, that label has become a part of who I am. I’m in excellent shape. The younger guys are keeping me youthful. They’re pushing me hard every day, and I’m truly relishing it.
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’ve incorporated a significant amount of yoga into my routine and have made numerous dietary changes, tweaking little things here and there. I’ve also prioritized sleep, which is crucial for me. I strive to maintain a strict schedule of waking up early and getting right to work. I aim for a minimum of seven or eight consecutive hours of sleep each night. My dietary changes include eliminating red meat and pork, and increasing my intake of fish and foods rich in vitamins and fiber. I’ve also begun weight training regularly. After every game, and even on the following day, I hit the gym. This focus on my physical health is a completely new aspect of my routine.
Why didn’t you do that earlier?
Initially, I believed that it would drain my energy for the following day. However, through constant effort, I’ve developed a tolerance so that discomfort in my hamstrings and quads no longer troubles me. I’ve particularly concentrated on enhancing the strength in those areas. So far, this has proven to be an effective solution.
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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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