The Minnesota Timberwolves have had a bizarre season, as their point guard rotation is the team's biggest weakness. Mike Conley is one of those point guards, but most people can agree that a 38-year-old Conley is not the best player who can propel them beyond the Western Conference Finals.
Despite that bit of knowledge, Conley is still an important piece for the Timberwolves. He is not the dynamic point guard they would prefer, but he is doing his best to still play as the floor general and leader he has always been. That was missed over the past couple of weeks, as he was nursing tendinitis in his right Achilles tendon.
Finch loves that Conley is healthy again
On Sunday, Conley made his return, playing 24 minutes and getting a solid six points, five rebounds, and six assists. It was the steady performance that NBA fans have gotten used to over the past two decades. Conley is the prototypical point guard any team would love, but he is not the best fit in the current Timberwolves roster due to his age.
He is not the fast guard that people are used to seeing, but he is still productive. Coach Finch knows that Conley is still a superb option, which is why he is ecstatic to have him back after a few games away.
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"He played great defense, getting into the heart of the paint, making the right play... Some of the best rhythm we had was when he was out there and just getting us some clean looks. That's who Mike still is. I know we've only been playing him 15, 16 minutes, but he's certainly capable of more, and it's good to have him back," Finch said after the win on Sunday.
Conley's role is unlike the previous few seasons, when he has been the featured point guard alongside Anthony Edwards. Finch would prefer to have a smaller rotation, and he will probably have Conley playing there. Bones Hyland has proven to be a useful piece, which might leave out Rob Dillingham.
Despite his age, Conley continues to prove his worth as a point guard, as he did against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. The Timberwolves might be seeking out a long-term replacement, but as long as Conley is there, he will continue to play his style.