Through the first three games of the 2024-25 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are picking up right where they left off. After their first conference finals run in two decades, expectations were high in Minnesota this season. So far, they are looking like legitimate contenders once again. After losing their opening night matchup to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Timberwolves have won two straight. Their late-offseason acquisitions of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are looking good, and star Anthony Edwards looks primed for another fantastic season. However, not all is going well for Minnesota so far. This is especially true for Mike Conley, who is in his second full season with the Timberwolves.
Last season, Conley led the Timberwolves in three-point shooting, shooting 44.2% from beyond the arc. However, the Ohio State alum has not had similar success so far. Through three games, Conley is shooting 5-for-25 (20%) from the field and 4-for-18 (22.2%) from the three-point line. It is a small sample size, but these percentages are extremely poor, especially for a career 38.7% three-point shooter.
Recently, per The Athletic’s Jon Krawcynzki, Conley revealed that he has dealt with “a little wrist soreness” for a long time. However, Conley does not believe this is the reason for his poor shooting performance so far.
Mike Conley says he’s been dealing with a little wrist soreness. Said it stems from something a few years ago that, when he’s done playing, will need to be addressed. Said he’s confident it’s not the reason for his slow shooting start because he’s played with it for a while
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 28, 2024
Mike Conley: “It happened a long time ago. I’ve had to work around it for years. Something that eventually, when I’m done playing, I’ll get fixed and worked on. For the time being, it’s something I’ll manage.”
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 28, 2024
Mike Conley Opens Up About Slow Shooting Start
Mike Conley’s Role With the Minnesota Timberwolves
Conley has spent parts of the last three seasons with the Timberwolves. In that time, he has established himself as one of the team’s most important players due to his value on both sides of the ball. The 37-year-old is entering the first year of his two-year, $20.8 million contract extension. Despite his rough shooting performances so far, Conley’s importance to Minnesota has not changed. For the foreseeable future, Conley is slated to start for the Timberwolves and likely will until he retires or goes to another team.
The Last Word
The Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the NBA. Their balance of offense and defense makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the league. For the first time in a long time, there are legitimate championship aspirations for the Timberwolves. While most of that will depend on Edwards, Randle, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, Conley is a major part of that core as well.
