The Boston Celtics will quickly find out that Mike Conley has nothing left to give on the court. The 38-year-old has been in rapid decline for a few years, and last season he reached the point of no return. Conley shot 33.5 percent from the field, and the Timberwolves had a negative net rating with him on the floor. That was a contending team with a player they hoped to be their starting point guard. Conley was slightly above replacement level by VORP, but he is unfortunately washed.
Brad Stevens clearly wanted to add a leader and mentor to the Celtics roster. Having a veteran presence is important in difficult moments, but Boston can’t expect significant on-court production. They need some extra ball-handling and playmaking with Brown gone. Conley just can’t consistently offer what the franchise needs.
The veteran is ring-chasing in his final years. He went back to Minnesota after being traded twice last season. Conley played 14 minutes per game in the playoffs. He is no longer the fringe All-Star fans remember. The 38-year-old is nearing the end of his NBA career, and his decline will only get worse.
Celtics will quickly find out Mike Conley is washed
Derrick White’s efficiency plummeted as his offensive role expanded last season. The Celtics need to scale back his on-ball duties. It would make sense to start Payton Pritchard and use Conley as the backup point guard. Even asking for 18 minutes every night from the 38-year-old guard might be a stretch.
Conley went from averaging 11.4 points and 5.9 assists per game in 2024 to 4.5 points and 2.9 dimes last season. That is a steep decline in just two years, and there is no end in sight. The production of undersized guards tends to fall off a cliff, and Conley teetered on the edge last season. Sadly, he likely goes over in his lone year with the Celtics.
Boston took a low-cost flyer on a talented and experienced player. They signed Conley to a one-year veteran minimum contract. The Celtics can move on at any second if things aren’t working.
The Timberwolves were 5.2 points per 100 possessions better with the 6’1 guard on the bench last season in medium and high leverage situations. Boston was only 4.0 points per 100 better with Tatum on the floor for context. Conley was a problem on both ends for Minnesota. The Celtics want to compete and will quickly find out that the veteran has nothing left in the tank.
Conley has had an outstanding NBA career. He is entering his 20th season. Conley was an All-Star in 2021 and second-team All-Defense in 2013. He also won the Sportsmanship award four times. The Celtics got an experienced player who is known for leading and setting a strong example. That is worth something, even if Conley struggles on the floor.
Mike Conley is easy to root for, so nobody wants to admit he’s rapidly declining. It is painful to write, but the heartbreaking truth. The Boston Celtics will quickly find out. The 38-year-old has had a legendary career, but it is nearing an end. This might just be his final season because Conley is sadly washed.
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