Post by Los Angeles Lakers on Jun 8, 2007 20:59:15 GMT -5
Mike Conley Jr: The New Commander and Chief
The Lakers' rookie point guard is showing five teams that they shouldn't have passed up on him.
Mike Conley Jr. came into the 2009 Retro Draft as the highest rated point guard. Despite this, no team with the first five picks took him. Granted - big men win championships. But since Rik Smits, it's been all about the point guard in recent history. Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and the recently retired Jason Kidd have all been the reasons why teams have won championships in recent memory. Mike Conley Jr. hopes to enter the conversation now.
"Mike Conley Jr. had a very good college career and now he's validating it at the pro level," said a Laker scout.
The young point guard from Ohio State has not disappointed. He could very well be the top point guard in the league right now - offering a complete package of defense and offensive capability. Conley Jr. is averaging 22.4 points and 10 assists per game in the Lakers' first seven contests.
Conley Jr. thought he would be a Wizard. Washington drafted him with the 6th overall pick in the draft which made it seem like Kirk Hinrich was on his way out. However, it turned out Conley Jr. became the bargaining piece in a deal that brought them veteran forward, Ron Artest. The Lakers appeared to begin the rebuilding process after failing to win the championship two years ago with the acquistion of Conley Jr.
"We felt it was the right move for the team," said Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Hibachi. "Chris was going to demand the maximum contract which meant that it would've been unlikely for us to re-sign Richard. Bringing Mike into the mix gave us another youngster in whom we could build around."
Bosh and other teammates were astonished at the rate of Conley's development.
"I was surprised that Mike was this good," said Bosh. "I didn't realize how smart this young kid was. When he came into training camp, he came in with a mentality of wanting to get better immediately."
"He's a fast learner," said Stephon Marbury. "I'm passing on everything that I have in my brain to him. I'm going to make sure this kid is a star in this league."
Conley has had the benefit of learning from two great point guards - Marcus Banks and Stephon Marbury. Banks and Marbury both accepted to change positions this year to allow Conley to run the point. Even though the Lakers have a small lineup, the moves have paid dividends for them and for Conley.
It remains to be seen whether or not Conley will enter the echelon of the other great point guards in this league. If he continues on the pace he's on right now, the tandem of Conley and Bosh could be the next dynamic duo this league might not be able to stop.
The Lakers' rookie point guard is showing five teams that they shouldn't have passed up on him.
Mike Conley Jr. came into the 2009 Retro Draft as the highest rated point guard. Despite this, no team with the first five picks took him. Granted - big men win championships. But since Rik Smits, it's been all about the point guard in recent history. Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and the recently retired Jason Kidd have all been the reasons why teams have won championships in recent memory. Mike Conley Jr. hopes to enter the conversation now.
"Mike Conley Jr. had a very good college career and now he's validating it at the pro level," said a Laker scout.
The young point guard from Ohio State has not disappointed. He could very well be the top point guard in the league right now - offering a complete package of defense and offensive capability. Conley Jr. is averaging 22.4 points and 10 assists per game in the Lakers' first seven contests.
Conley Jr. thought he would be a Wizard. Washington drafted him with the 6th overall pick in the draft which made it seem like Kirk Hinrich was on his way out. However, it turned out Conley Jr. became the bargaining piece in a deal that brought them veteran forward, Ron Artest. The Lakers appeared to begin the rebuilding process after failing to win the championship two years ago with the acquistion of Conley Jr.
"We felt it was the right move for the team," said Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Hibachi. "Chris was going to demand the maximum contract which meant that it would've been unlikely for us to re-sign Richard. Bringing Mike into the mix gave us another youngster in whom we could build around."
Bosh and other teammates were astonished at the rate of Conley's development.
"I was surprised that Mike was this good," said Bosh. "I didn't realize how smart this young kid was. When he came into training camp, he came in with a mentality of wanting to get better immediately."
"He's a fast learner," said Stephon Marbury. "I'm passing on everything that I have in my brain to him. I'm going to make sure this kid is a star in this league."
Conley has had the benefit of learning from two great point guards - Marcus Banks and Stephon Marbury. Banks and Marbury both accepted to change positions this year to allow Conley to run the point. Even though the Lakers have a small lineup, the moves have paid dividends for them and for Conley.
It remains to be seen whether or not Conley will enter the echelon of the other great point guards in this league. If he continues on the pace he's on right now, the tandem of Conley and Bosh could be the next dynamic duo this league might not be able to stop.
(plus ur PPs lol).
