Why Mike Conley is the Perfect Fix for the Sixers

Another disappointing finish for the Sixers brings an even bigger off-season filled with rumors, speculation, and potential fixes for the franchise. I’ve already talked in a previous article about why the Sixers are doomed if they don’t upgrade their guard play, and fast. Luckily for Philly fans, there is a perfect fix already lined up to be a free agent this off-season. The criminally underrated Mike Conley.

Mike Conley is a veteran 6-foot-1 point guard who spent almost all of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. Conley recently played a major role in propelling the Jazz to the best record in the NBA last season, and the number one seed in the West. While Conley is 33, he’s showed no signs of slowing down in his time with the Jazz. Conley is your prototypical great point guard, who’s always been forgotten because he played for small market teams. Mike is a career 44-percent shooter from the field, and 39-percent from three.

Conley’s size can be an issue inside, but the former Grizzly makes up for it with a great mid-range and three point shot he doesn’t hesitate to take. On top of his scoring ability, Conley averaged six assists a game with limited minutes for the Jazz, and over a steal a game. Conley’s game would fit perfectly with Joel in pick-and-play situations, along with his shooting threat spacing the court even more. Don’t believe me? Listen to Liberty Line’s resident basketball insider Kevin McCormick who’s known what Conley could add to the Sixers squad for almost a year.

Outside of his skill-set, Conley would be another great veteran addition that could bring even more playoff experience to the locker room. Conley has made the playoffs eight times in his NBA career, for a total of 67 games. Conley was a main cog in the scrappy Memphis Grizzlies team that shocked the NBA in the early 2010s which included a WCF appearance in 2014. Conley has played in all type’s of series, and his comeback from down 0-2 against the “Lob City” Clippers back in 2013 showed Mike never quits despite the odds.

While Conley is certainly past his prime, there is no doubt he is still producing at a high level, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Conley makes perfect sense not only from a scheme standpoint, but a locker room presence as well. The only thing that should ever prevent the Sixers going out and getting Conley is money. Even then, I expect Morey to free up some cap space as I am sure one of Tobias Harris or Ben Simmons will not be on the roster come October.

Mandatory Credit: Sue Ogrocki.