SneakerReporter.com Exclusive 1 on 1 Interview With Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies

SneakerReporter.com Exclusive 1 on 1 Interview With Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies

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by | Mar 30, 2018 | Featured, NBA

Mike Conley took the time out to talk with SneakerReporter.com about his season-ending heel injury, sneakers, video games and etc. Conley is one of the most underrated players in the NBA and his focus is to make sure that everyone puts respect on his name. Being sidelined has been tough but Mike talked about the positives and talked about still being connected to the team. In his career, he’s averaged 14.2 points per game and 5.7 assists per game. Mike has shown consistency throughout his career and has been deserving of the big payday he received last offseason of 5 Year/$153 Million from the Grizzlies. In this interview, we were able to dive into a lot of interests of Mike on and off the court so enjoy.

 

SR: Since it’s March Madness time. What did it mean to you to see your school Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament this year?

MC: It’s always fun around this time of year with March Madness when you get to watch all these games. To have your school apart of that is always a great thing to have the representation of your school and the fans. People get to see all the schools that you don’t usually see nationally and they match up with different kind of powerhouse teams. It’s a cool environment and something cool to be associated with. I’m just happy the Buckeyes made it to the tournament again and hopefully, next season will be our year.

 

SR: What were your thoughts on (Ohio States) Kam Williams and what you like about his game?

MC: Kam has improved every single year man. He’s a great athlete and a great scorer as well. Kam has a very nice jump shot and as he’s gotten older he’s learned how to play at a certain speed and let the game slow down for him a little bit. He’s able to find his places a lot better than he did earlier in his career. I’m happy for him and hope he got everything he got out of college and more.

 

SR: What does it mean to you being apart of Jordan Brand and Nike? We’ve seen you spotted in some Jordan/Nike Off-White heat all year.

MC: It’s honestly a blessing to be apart of Jordan Brand. It’s a dream as a kid you never dreamed that you would be apart of a great company like this. Now that I am it’s really like a family atmosphere because they treat you like family and care about you as the individual. It’s not just about the basketball side or the shoe side they really want to see you succeed as a person. Those are all values that I looked for and hold dear to me. Now the shoes are obviously my favorite thing because I get to wear something exclusive or something new that no one else has and Jordan Brand always makes sure that we have that.

 

SR: What is your favorite Air Jordan of all-time? Also if you could customize your own Air Jordan to play in which would you use?

MC: My favorite Air Jordan of all-time is the Space Jam 11s. I like all the Jordan 11s but if I could customize my own pair to play in it would probably be the Jordan 10s. I love the way the Jordan 10s feel when I’m hooping and I play ball with them in my spare time.

 

SR: What were some of the positives you took from watching your team during your injury-recovery process?

MC: When you’re off the court and able to watch from the stands you learn a lot more about the coaching aspect of things. You get to understand different plays, sets, and different opportunities for game management. There are things that you don’t really get the feel of while you’re playing because you do it off of instinct. When you’re watching you have to think the game a lot more. So for me, it’s been a constant cycle of going through each game and picking and choosing different lessons I can learn from different games. I see different things that teammates have done better so hopefully, I can learn from them when I get back on the court. All those things are helping me become a better thinker of the game.

 

SR: How would you describe the Memphis Grizzlies atmosphere/culture? Also what does playing for the city of Memphis mean to you?

MC: Memphis is a unique city and a unique organization. We honestly feel like this city and organization is all one. We’re hand and hand with everything that we do in our community and with our games. It’s a small city and a blue-collar city because everyone works hard for what they get and they earn it. That’s kinda what we’ve had to do over the last seven or eight years we had to earn everything little bit that we got. That’s what is so special about this place because it’s unique but directly relatable to fans and relatable to the community in that aspect.

 

SR: How much do you miss being out there on the court/off the court with your teammates during your recovery?

MC: I miss it so much man honestly. I’m reminded of it every time I’m around the team just how I miss the game and how much I miss being around them. They mean everything to me. You don’t realize how much you need them and how much you want to be around them until you don’t have them around you all the time anymore. You miss them when you have to be at home rehabbing while they’re on the road. You miss all those plane rides and the time you spend with them in between games. They’re like my extended family and it’s really tough not to be around them and have to watch from sidelines/TV. They know how much I need them and they know how much they do good for my spirits just being around them and to be one of the guys again.

 

SR: Do you believe you’re underrated in the NBA? Also, do you still have that chip on your shoulder like I have to still prove myself?

MC: I definitely still play with that chip on my shoulder as if I am underrated. I feel like each year I get better and each year I proved somebody else wrong but my sights are still set on improving this group to get better. One day somebody will put me up there with the guys that I believe I’m up there with. I just have to keep grinding and keep my head down while staying focused like I always do and the other stuff will work out.

 

SR: Who’s the toughest point guard you’ve gone up against in your career so far?

MC: There are so many point guards nowadays. Hmmmm one of the tougher point guards for me has always been Russell Westbrook. Just because of his size and his strength. He can easily just bump you off your spot and with him being a 6″1 guard you’re not used to seeing that too often especially with the speed that he has. He’s definitely one and obviously, Steph is pretty tough to guard when he’s got it going so they’re plenty of different people I can point at and say they’re some of the tougher ones to guard out there. 

 

SR: What are some of your hobbies outside of the Basketball?

MC: What a lot of people don’t know is that I love going to the movies. I’m always trying to watch out for the latest movies that come out no matter where I’m at.

 

SR: What’s your favorite movie of all-time?

MC: I would have to go with Anchor Man the original because I can watch that all day it’s hilarious.

 

SR: Name 3 music artists that you have to listen to in your pregame playlist?

MC: Probably would be Jay-Z, Moneybagg Yo, and Kanye West

 

SR: I heard you’re a huge gamer. Which video games are you playing right now?

MC: I was on Fortnite before it was popular so I don’t play it as much. I play Fortnite, Battleground, Madden, NBA 2K, Call of Duty, Gears of War. I’m in a Madden league right now and I play every couple of days on that. I honestly play all of the games that are out man.

 

SR: Do you play PlayStation or XBox One?

MC: I stay on the XBox 

 

SR: Do you play as yourself when you’re playing NBA 2K? Do they have your looks/mechanics down in the game?

MC: Nah I can’t do it because I’m careful with my own guy. I think the looks are almost identical and the moves are close not all the way there but it’s a video game. They have to get my floater in the game a lot better I feel like we will be good.

 

SR: What would your message be to the Memphis Grizzlies fans that are waiting for you to get back on the court. So that they can have something to look forward to next season?

MC: I would tell them to stick with us. I’ll be back really soon and that progress is key. This is a small bump in the road for us but we’ll be back next year ready to go and even better. So stick with us and Go Grizzlies!!!!

 

You can follow Mike Conley on social media —> IG – @Mac11 , Twitter – @MConley11

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Cred: (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren), (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Jerry Perez/Pacific Coast News, AP Photos, Clutch Sports,  (AP Photo/Brandon Dill), Basketball Insider, Ronald Tillery, USA TODAY NETWORK, House of Heat, Bleacher Report, Joe Murphy/Getty Images,Jos’e Blanco, Sole Collector

Mar 30, 2018 No Comments
Anthony Davis’ 43 Points Too Much For OKC As They Drop Their 3rd In A Row (114-100)

Anthony Davis’ 43 Points Too Much For OKC As They Drop Their 3rd In A Row (114-100)

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by | Feb 3, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder were coming home to play the New Orleans Pelicans after a crazy game the previous night before against the Nuggets. OKC lost on a buzzer beater against the Nuggets and wanted to redeem themselves against the Pelicans. The Pelicans lost DeMarcus Cousins last week to injury and have been depending on their other All Star Anthony Davis. It seemed like this whole game the Pelicans had a grip on the lead and didn’t want to give it up. Every time the Thunder made a shot that would get them closer either E’Twaun Moore or Anthony Davis made a key bucket to keep them in front. This was definitely a weird game for OKC as none of the “Big 3” had over 20 points tonight. With that being said the bench was able to step up with Grant/Abrines combining for 26 points. The biggest problem that was noticable while on this 3 game skid is the lack of communication on the defensive end. The Thunder allowed 114 to a team that didn’t have their other leading guy and let them shoot 51% from the field.

The Thunder are missing Andre Roberson big time for his defense and also for his communication when it comes to different screens, plays, and etc. With Roberson on the shelf this has also given a chance for Paul George who I think is the Defensive Player of the Year to showcase his talents on the defensive end. The Thunder will need to play off of George and his style of play on the defensive end so that they can create offense easier. The Big 3 had 44 points combined tonight and weren’t hitting but that wasn’t the reason they lost. No one on the Thunder were able to hold Anthony Davis in check as he went off for 43 points and got those points anyway he wanted too. Davis was hitting from the 3 point line and attacking the paint. It didn’t matter who was on Davis tonight he was willing his baskets in the hoop and was a true force. Anthony Davis put the Pelicans on his back all night and that led to him becoming the all-time leading scorer in their franchise history. The Thunder put Adams, Grant, and Patterson on AD tonight and it didn’t work.

Going into Sunday’s game against the Lakers the Thunder will have to get things back on track defensively. Defense wins championships and I think OKC needs to just focus on that side of the ball. With Roberson out its going to be on PG-13 to take the team to the promise land and it starts with his defense. Russell Westbrook has been the ultimate teammate all season and he knows that he can get his teammates involved early and then he can takeover when he wants too. Westbrook was rushing some shots tonight against the Pelicans but he’s allowed one of those games when people can’t talk about his turnovers or bad shots because of his body of work. Westbrook has been the true leader that this team needs and more and the Thunder will have to take out their 3 game skid on the Lakers Superbowl Sunday.

Feb 3, 2018 No Comments
The Thunder Big 3 Lead OKC To Victory Over Los Angeles Lakers (114-90)

The Thunder Big 3 Lead OKC To Victory Over Los Angeles Lakers (114-90)

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by | Jan 18, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder dominated the Lakers from the tip of this game and didn’t look back at all. The Lakers were trying to keep pace with the Thunder Big 3 but just couldn’t. Julius Randle led the team with 16 points and was able to keep them within 10 points until Carmelo Anthony took over the game. The Lakers were playing without Lonzo Ball but thats no excuse as you have to hold the players accountable as professionals. The Thunder noticed that they were without Ball and exposed every mismatch that was present. The Lakers haven’t won a game with Lonzo out of the lineup and tonight wasn’t any different tonight.

The Thunder were able to do anything they wanted tonight inside and outside the paint. Russell Westbrook was able to bully any Laker that was guading him and made it tough on them. The best thing about this Thunder team this season is the fact that they have 3 players that demand double teams. George, Anthony, and Westbrook all demand more attention and that opened up things for Steven Adams in the paint. When Adams gets the chance to establish the paint like he did tonight against Lopez nobody can stop this Thunder team. While Adams is clogging the paint that is opening more chances for the Big 3 and other players to create and score. The Big 3 combined for 61 points tonight and were able to get involved on the defensive and offensive end at the same time. It was great to get Roberson back into the mix tonight on the defensive end as he was able to help on the back end and help OKC vocally as well.

Overall this team is special to watch when everyone is on the same page and clicking on the defensive/offensive end.

 

Photo: Getty Images

Jan 18, 2018 No Comments
The Thunder Hold Off Sacramento (95-88) OKC Improved To 24-20 On #MLKDay

The Thunder Hold Off Sacramento (95-88) OKC Improved To 24-20 On #MLKDay

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by | Jan 16, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder were coming into this game against the Sacramento Kings trying to build off the win against the Hornets over the weekend. OKC was able to play to their strengths and attack inside the paint with ease. When the Thunder have the chance to attack the paint like they did tonight that makes everything easier for the offense. The Thunder had 5 players in double figures tonight and were able to get everyone involved and they got the ball movement going smoothly. The Big 3 of Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony combined for 57 points on the night and were able to get into a groove on offense. Paul George has found his rythym in this offense and has been able to create for himself and his teammates on both ends of the floor. The way that George can impact the game on each end gives the Thunder a huge advantage night in and night out in his SF matchups. Not a lot of small forwards are knockdown shooters and lockdown defenders at the same time and George showed his worth tonight. George had 5 steals in the game and was able to use his defense to get his offense going in the right direction.

Carmelo Anthony took over the game in that 3rd quarter and it seemed as though Russell Westbrook and the Thunder were looking for Melo. When your shot is going in like it did for Melo tonight you can finish a quarter with 15 points. When Melo is on fire like that it’s very hard to get him out of his rhytym or his game. Carmelo and Paul both had mismatches and were able to use their size and quickness off the dribble to punish the Kings. Russell Westbrook took over the game like he always does when OKC needs it and almost finished with a triple double coming up just shy of his 10 assist on the night. De’Aaron Fox couldn’t check Russell Westbrook all night and it was very obvious that OKC knew where to go with the mismatches. Russell Westbrook has improved on his mid-range jumper and he’s also improved on getting his teammates in their hot spots since the beginning of the season. Late in the 4th Russell Westbrook was ejected from the game as he drove to the basket and got hit in the face but didn’t get a foul call instead he got a travel. He got up pissed off and went to the referee who then tossed him with a double tech.

The Kings tried to make a late game rally at the end but Buddy Hields 16 points weren’t enough to help the Kings get the late game win after Westbrook exited the game. The Kings couldn’t hit anything tonight and struggled from the field in crucial moments. The Thunder struggled as well but turned it up when they needed too all throughout the game.

The Thunder will be facing the Lakers on Wednesday and want to continue this win streak heading into Cleveland for Saturday.

Jan 16, 2018 No Comments
Russell Westbrook’s Clutch 3 Pointer Leads OKC To Victory Over The Hawks (120-117)

Russell Westbrook’s Clutch 3 Pointer Leads OKC To Victory Over The Hawks (120-117)

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by | Dec 23, 2017 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder have been hot as of late and they seem to have find the chemistry that everyone has been waiting for all season. Oklahoma City played the Atlanta Hawks who played without their best player Dennis Schroder tonight because he was out with a left ankle injury. The Atlanta Hawks played like they didn’t need him tonight. The Hawks were able to play smoothly without their very good point guard and make the best of the players that were on the court tonight. It was tough for the Thunder to slowdown Ersan IIyasova and Marco Belinelli as they both were hitting off balance shots and also making shots that were guarded very good. The both of them combined for 49 of the Hawks points and were able to keep the game close for them throughout the game. The Hawks showed a lot of fight tonight as they were down by 16 points and kept clawing back into the game. One of the reasons they were able to get back into the game was the fact that Billy Donovan had his starters on the bench and when they came in it took some time for them to ease back into the game. The Thunder were able to get any shot that they wanted tonight but just didn’t connect on them until the moments that mattered in the game.

Russell Westbrook led the charge for the Thunder as he was able to set the tone from the jump. Westbrook was able to take advantage of the mismatches against Malcolm Delaney & Isaiah Taylor. Westbrook finished the game with 30 points, 15 assists, and 7 rebounds tonight. When Russell plays like that and gets the whole team involved and also can attack at the same time this team is unbeatable. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony added a combined for 41 points on the night. The good thing about this team is the fact that Paul George started off with the hot hand and as the game played itself out the others joined along.

When George is in the zone like he was in the first half no one can guard him. George was able to get to the basket and get layups, shots, and get the team involved. Paul George has shown that he’s a playmaker and can get people the ball in big time moments and clutch moments. Carmelo Anthony went 7-12 from the 3 point line tonight and has been able to find his role on the team as the Atlanta Hawks didn’t know where he was on the court and made them pay. Melo has been able to flourish throughout the season but is now figuring out what the team needs him to be. Melo is going to be that catch and shot player and that’e what OKC needs him to be so that the ball can continue to move like it has the last two games.

Russell Westbrook was able to turn into Russell Clutchbrook as he had the ball with 11.1 seconds left and hit the game winner. Westbrook loves the big moments and embraces putting the team on his back. Everyone else looks at Westbrook as the leader and he responded by making sure they were able to get the win through all the ups and downs tonight.

The Thunder will head to Utah as they will be playing the Jazz again for the second time this week. The Thunder will need to continue this stretch of games where their chemistry has looked unbreakable.

Dec 23, 2017 No Comments
The OKC Thunder Steam Roll Utah (107-79) Westbrook, Anthony, George Combined For 60 Points

The OKC Thunder Steam Roll Utah (107-79) Westbrook, Anthony, George Combined For 60 Points

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by | Dec 21, 2017 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder came into this game winning the last 7 of 9 games this month. With OKC in a groove during this month they were able to get Steven Adams back from his concussion absence. Right away the Thunder wanted to set the tone in this game as Russell Westbrook went 6-6 from the field with 14 points in the 1st quarter. Westbrook set the tone for the whole team and the whole game as the Thunder flourished on both ends of the floor. The Utah Jazz played without Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert but the way OKC was clicking tonight as a whole it didn’t matter who you put in front of them. The defense from the Thunder was swarming and when they play like this as a whole holding Utah to 35.6% shooting from the field the skys the limit for this team.

The Thunder have showed that they’re getting their rythym as a full unit and they’re playing with a lot more fun now a days. This team has been clicking and gelling at the right time and it’s working. Each night with the Thunder you don’t know who will be the player that will go off from the Big 3 and tonight it was Westbrook. This team has showed that with defense and sacrifice anything is possible especially with this unit. Paul George and Carmelo Anthony got it going after the half as they both combined for 36 points. Paul George had what would be the play of the night when he crossed up Rodney Hood and finished at the rim on Derrick Favors. Russell Westbrook finished the game with 24 points, 7 assists, and 10 rebounds as the Utah Jazz had no answer for him or the Big 3 tonight. Westbrook showed leadership on both ends of the floor and put OKC in a great position to win from the jump.

The Utah Jazz couldn’t stop the Thunder especially on the fast break and in the paint. Russell Westbrook was pushing the tempo and setting up his teammates all night. The bright spot for the Utah Jazz was that Rodney Hood with his 17 points and Thabo Seolosha got his game going also as he had 12 points tonight. Utah put up a fight and tried to hang in there without two of their star players but it just wasn’t enough. OKC dunked on Utah about 7 times without Rudy Gobert in the lineup and the interior defense was not there at all. Overall it was one of those games that Utah would like to forget as OKC was able to do as they wanted inside and out. The Thunder reserves were able to add 30 points off the bench and helped secure the win. Jerami Grant led the way with 11 points off the bench and was giving it everything he has on both ends of the floor. Grant had at least three dunks in the game that would be in the NBA Dunk Contest and I think its time for the NBA to give him that call. The Thunder team used this game to grow and it showed on the floor as they played together as a group and everyone had a chance to contribute.

The Thunder play the Atlanta Hawks on Friday in Oklahoma City as they want to keep the momentum going and continue to grow as a whole.

 

Dec 21, 2017 No Comments