Mike Conley’s numbers may be down, but his value to the Minnesota Timberwolves goes far beyond the box score. At 38 years old, the veteran point guard is averaging career lows across the board-19.3 minutes, 5.3 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 36.1% shooting from the field. But even with diminished production, Conley’s impact on this Wolves team remains very real-and very necessary.
Let’s be honest: Conley isn’t going to break down defenders off the dribble like he used to. The burst isn’t there, and the shot creation is limited.
But what he brings is something this young, often erratic Timberwolves squad sorely needs-poise, intelligence, and control. His basketball IQ still jumps off the screen, and it’s that steady hand that continues to earn the trust of head coach Chris Finch.
After missing four games, Conley returned to the lineup on Sunday and turned in one of his most complete performances of the season. In 24 minutes, he tallied six points, six assists, five rebounds, and three combined steals and blocks. When Jaden McDaniels exited with an injury, Finch leaned on Conley to close the game-and the Wolves walked away with a gritty three-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
That trust from Finch isn’t just about veteran loyalty. It’s about what Conley still brings when the game tightens up.
“He did what he always gives us-great defense, get to the heart of the paint, make the right play,” Finch said postgame. “Some of the best rhythm we had was when he was out there getting us some clean looks.
That’s who Mike still is.”
And that’s really the essence of Conley’s role now: making the right play. For a team that can get loose with the ball, Conley’s decision-making is a stabilizer.
His 4.88 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks among the best in the league, and it shows. When he’s on the floor, the Wolves’ offense just looks more composed.
He doesn’t force the issue. He doesn’t play outside of himself.
He simply makes the smart, winning plays.
That calm demeanor extends beyond the stat sheet. In 19 NBA seasons, Conley has never picked up a technical foul-a remarkable feat and a testament to the professionalism he brings every night. He’s the type of player who can settle a huddle, guide a young teammate through a tough stretch, or simply bring a sense of calm to a chaotic game.
And while he’s no longer a high-usage scorer, Conley still provides value as a shooter. He’s hitting 36.8% of his threes overall and an impressive 40.9% on catch-and-shoot opportunities.
That kind of efficiency, especially in a complementary role, helps space the floor and keeps defenses honest. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Wolves are +1.2 points per 100 possessions better offensively when Conley is on the court.
That’s not a coincidence.
Defensively, Conley is never going to be a stopper-his size and age make him a target. But what he lacks in physical tools, he makes up for with positioning and anticipation.
He knows where to be and when to be there. And that alone helps cover ground.
After Sunday’s game, Conley admitted he only expected to play around eight minutes. But when the team needed him, he stepped up-no complaints, no ego.
That’s who he is at this stage of his career. He’s embraced the role of mentor and leader, and he’s doing it with the same quiet confidence that’s defined his career.
Is Mike Conley a perfect player? No.
But perfection isn’t the point. He’s still a winning player.
He’s still a steadying force. And for a Timberwolves team with big aspirations and a young core still learning how to win, that kind of presence is invaluable.