{"id":142448,"date":"2025-05-29T12:15:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=142448"},"modified":"2025-05-29T12:15:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T16:15:11","slug":"mike-conleys-retirement-plans-revealed-but-questions-remain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/29\/mike-conleys-retirement-plans-revealed-but-questions-remain\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Conley’s Retirement Plans Revealed But Questions Remain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oklahoma City \u2013 Mike Conley<\/a> will be 38 next season. The one-time All-Star has served as a huge veteran presence since arriving in Minnesota in 2023. Conley and Anthony Edwards<\/a> have developed a strong bond. So, it didn\u2019t surprise anyone when Edwards accidentally shared Mike Conley’s retirement plans.<\/p>\n

Mike Conley’s Retirement Plans Revealed But Questions Remain<\/h2>\n

Conley entered the NBA as a top prospect in the 2007 draft, going 4th overall. He\u2019s consistently adjusted his game to help his teams win. He came to Minneapolis late in his career, as Danny Ainge dismantled the Utah Jazz<\/a> for a rebuild. Conley quickly stabilized the Timberwolves\u2019 backcourt alongside the emerging Anthony Edwards.<\/p>\n

Edwards has matured from a raw, athletic talent into a thinking superstar at just 23 years old. As he picked apart defensive schemes from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> and the Golden State Warriors<\/a>, observers noticed Conley’s influence. His impact has been undeniable.<\/p>\n

Efficiency on the Floor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Conley has always maintained control. He\u2019s averaged just 1.9 turnovers per game across his career. Since joining the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a>, that number has dropped to 1.2. His turnover ratio of 4.25 ranked seventh<\/a> in the NBA during the regular season (minimum 42 games played).<\/p>\n

Edwards still struggles in this area. He averages 3.2 turnovers per game, giving him a turnover ratio of 1.44\u2014outside the top 250. He must still improve in managing the game\u2019s tempo and minimizing careless possessions.<\/p>\n

Mentorship Beyond the Court<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Anthony
May 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and guard Mike Conley (10) during the fourth quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conley’s biggest impact might be off the court. He\u2019s mentored Edwards, helping shape him into a leader. That bond showed when Edwards let Conley\u2019s retirement plans slip during a post-game interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna work my bu** off this summer,\u201d Edwards said. \u201cNobody\u2019s gonna work harder than me this summer, I\u2019ll tell you that much. I\u2019ll try to make it happen again for Mike.\u201d<\/p>\n