Knicks Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Pursuing Mike Conley

Feb 10, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Thaddeus Young (30) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley (11) controls the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Thaddeus Young (30) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) shoots the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter Williams (5) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) shoots the ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter Williams (5) in the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Pro: Offensive Versatility

Mike Conley does nothing at an elite level, but that doesn’t mean he’s of no value. On the offensive end of the floor, Conley is a player without an identifiable weakness.

A belief exists that the New York Knicks need a genuine star on the offensive end of the floor, but Conley perfectly fits the bill of what’s actually required to return to the playoffs.

Conley is a solid 3-point shooter who excels in operating the pick-and-roll and finishes well at the rim. He’s a career 37.3 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and has averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 3-point field goals made per game over the past four seasons.

On a per 36 minute basis, however, Conley averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists over the past three seasons.

The number that truly jumps off the page is Conley’s career average of just 2.2 turnovers per 36 minutes over nine seasons. It’s a telling sign of how masterful Conley is with the ball in his hands.

A player who can take care of the ball and score in any number of ways is exactly what the Knicks need at point guard.

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