Newly-appointed Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale believes that free agentMike Conley will remain with the team long-term. From Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal:
On his confidence that Conley will re-sign, and whether they’ve talked: “I’ve spoken to Mike Conley. We had a fantastic conversation, a very energized, open conversation and an honest conversation. He’s going to get sick of me, because I’m going to follow him. I’m going to just follow him everywhere he goes. I’m going to hound him and teach him and collaborate with him and make him feel a part of this thing in a way that only a guy like D-Wade can feel, in Miami. That’s my approach with him. I see him being a big part of this thing for a long time.”
It’s nice that Fizdale has confidence that Conley will return, but is that confidence misguided? Conley has sounded lukewarm on staying in Memphis. He’s previously said that whether or not he stays largely depends on who the Grizzlies sign in free agency. Translation: Sign somebody good or I’m gone.
Conley is an elite talent at the point guard position, and many teams are interested in acquiring his services. Teams that have already revealed their interests include the Spurs, the Knicks, and the Nets.
