The Memphis Grizzlies have struggled mightily this season, mostly due to a plethora of injuries. Their future looks even gloomier now that their star point guard, Mike Conley, will miss the remainder of the season.
Mike Conley Will Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
The Memphis guard has grappled with a sore Achilles tendon this season. Though he tried numerous treatments, the ankle failed to improve enough to allow him to return to the action. On Saturday, Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com stated that the Grizzlies’ general manager, Chris Wallace, told season ticket holders that Conley required season-ending surgery “to smooth a small bone protrusion” in his left heel.
Wallace reassured fans by saying the following: “Mike has been extremely diligent as we pursued multiple different approaches to alleviate the pain before deciding surgery was the best solution.”
It is expected that Conley will be healthy before training camp begins.
Injuries Abound
Conley missed 35 games so far this season with the Achilles injury. In the games he did play, he averaged career lows in field goal percentage, assists, and rebounds. Whereas last year he was a plus 5.7, this season he was a negative 1.9 in box plus-minus.
In the 2015-2016 season, Conley missed 30 games with left Achilles tendonitis. However, the point guard insists that this new injury is not related to his previous ankle issues.
During the 2016-2017 season, Conley played just 69 regular season games. In 2014-2015, Conley only was healthy for another 70 games. Although the point guard is known for being tough, it is concerning that he is sustaining these many injuries.
The View From Here
The Memphis Grizzlies battled numerous injuries this season. Chandler Parsons, James Ennis III, JaMychal Green, and Tyreke Evans, among others, missed significant time. They currently are the 12th seed in the Western Conference. Without Conley, it appears a postseason bid is unlikely.
There have been numerous whispers around the league that it is time to end the Grit-and-Grind era of the Grizzlies and begin a rebuild. Without any chance at the playoffs, the justification for continuing with the current squad becomes weaker.
As the trade deadline approaches, watch for a potential move from the Grizzlies.
