Mike Conley Jr

Mike Conley Jr. is recognized as one of the most accomplished point guards in NBA history, known for his performance on the court and his conduct off it. Conley was drafted as the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies after a standout freshman season at Ohio State University, where he averaged 11.3 points and led the Big Ten Conference in assists with 6.1 per game, contributing to a Big Ten conference championship and a runner-up finish in the NCAA Tournament.

Conley spent 12 seasons with the Grizzlies, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer before being traded to the Utah Jazz, where he earned his first NBA All-Star selection, and later to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game at age 33, marking the latest first-time All-Star appearance in league history at that time. Conley led the NBA in total steals during one season, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors, and helped guide the Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals, the team's deepest playoff run. He re-signed with the Grizzlies on a five-year, $153 million contract, which was the largest by total value in NBA history at that time. In 2026, he signed with the Boston Celtics, making him only the 14th player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons.

Conley has been awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award four times, the most in league history. The NBA Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to a player who exemplifies ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity on the court. He received the honor as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In addition, Conley has twice been named the NBA Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, an award that recognizes leadership and selfless play, making him only the second player to win the award multiple times.

Beyond basketball, Conley served as an executive producer on the short film "Two Distant Strangers," which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. The film addresses themes of social justice and racial inequality. Conley joins Kobe Bryant as NBA players who have won Academy Awards. Off the court, he is active in philanthropy, serving on foundation boards, hosting fundraisers for Special Olympics and youth programs, and supporting educational initiatives, including significant contributions to Ohio State's basketball programs. He also co-hosts "Staxtacular," an annual fundraiser supporting music education.

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Conley is among a select group of NBA players with such longevity. He continues to contribute at a high level, maintaining strong shooting percentages and on-court production. Conley's career is defined by his achievements in professional basketball, his sportsmanship accolades, and his ongoing commitment to social justice and community engagement.