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Could Mike Conley Be the Answer the Detroit Pistons Are Looking For?

By Erick Siviter

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 23, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 23: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a play during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 23, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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“Win now”, “make the playoffs”. These are the phrases heard most from the Detroit Pistons brass the last few years. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, its time to put up or shut up

Its no secret the Detroit Pistons have been nothing short of disappointing since a 13-7 start to the 2018 season. After bringing back the same core and having a full off season with last years acquisition of Blake Griffin, the team has fallen to 1.5 games back of Miami Heat for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

If Detroit hopes to regain a spot among the teams who will be playing in late April and a chance to play for a title, the Pistons should look to make a move before the February 7th deadline. Without it, they would most likely continue to be on the outside looking in for the 9th time in the last 11 years.

The Pistons have a certified star in Griffin and the leagues leading rebounder in Andre Drummond. But, with obvious holes at the point guard position and a lack of outside shooting, the team must address one if not both of these issues if they hope to succeed this season

One thing is certain. The Detroit Pistons NEED to make a move!

So far this season only Griffin has shown to be a viable scorer averaging 26.3 points per game. Drummond is second on the team averaging 16.3 points per game even without being known as a go to option. Short of adding some much needed help to the lineup, the team will most likely continue to struggle to add wins to their record for the remainder of the regular season schedule.

Enter Mike Conley. Who is now a possibility after the Memphis Grizzlies announced they will be shopping the 31 year old point guard along with long time center Marc Gasol

Conley is certainly an intriguing possibility. Not only is he averaging 19.8 points per game this season (5.2 points above his career average), Conley is a career 37.5 percent three point shooter. That’s two percent higher than the current league average.

This season he’s shooting 35.4% from behind the long line which would make him fourth on the Pistons roster behind Luke Kennard, Reggie Bullock, and Blake Griffin. His career assist average of 6.1 per game would be higher than anyone currently on the Pistons roster. With that being said, he’s a proven floor general who could elevate the play of anyone around him.

Imagine if you will. A guy who can not only create for himself, but who can also find the open man for an easy wide open shot if a defender tries to help.

A point guard who can control the offense in the half court and generate good looks for himself and for teammates. Another obvious upside being the possible resurgence of Drummond’s pick and roll dominance since the recent decline of Reggie Jackson’s play. A do it all point guard with a proven background is just what this team needs

The glaring downfall is Conley’s extensive injury history.

Just like the Pistons did last year with Griffin, it’s a high risk high reward scenario. Sometimes if you want to make the next step sooner rather than later, you have to be willing to take a chance.

Also, consider the Grizzlies would probably ask for a young player or two. Or even the Pistons 1st round draft pick. A chance with risk is exactly what a move for the highly regarded Conley would be. Again, to win now, and make the playoffs, sacrificing a piece of your long term future is what it will cost.

A move like this would immediately vault the team back into playoff contention. Now whether or not a move for Conley isn’t closer to reality than it is fiction remains to be seen.

But, if the Detroit Pistons franchise hopes to reach its goal for the 2018 season and still be playing games in late April and possibly beyond. Ed Stefanski should inquire about whatever it would take to bring Conley to the motor city.

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