Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, who is aiming for a significant milestone in his career, revealed his desire to play at least two more seasons in the NBA. At 37 years old, Conley hopes to reach a total of 20 seasons in the league. He is under contract for the next season, set to earn $10.8 million in the final year of his deal, and shared his passion for the game, emphasizing that he is still enjoying his role.
Speaking candidly, Conley expressed, “I’m having a ball. If you see a day where I’m not smiling and not having a good time… tell me to retire.” This reflects his commitment to the game and his team, which he finds invigorating, especially considering the unique experiences of competitive play at his age.
Over the past season, Conley participated in 71 games while managing a persistent left wrist injury, which has affected his performance. He noted that recovering from the injury has been challenging after spending two months in a cast last summer. This season, he averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists while playing a career-low 24.7 minutes per game. His playoff performance against Golden State saw him average 8.0 points and 5.0 assists in 24.6 minutes.
Reflecting on his playoff journey, Conley shared his disappointment at falling short in the Western Conference Finals last spring, noting that the loss sparked thoughts about the future. “I thought it was a special year… My first thought was, ‘How long will it take for us to get back here again?’” His determination to compete again in the upcoming season highlights his resilience and hope for future success.
With a positive mindset and aspirations for continued achievement, Conley embodies the spirit of perseverance that resonates with fans and players alike. His journey serves as an encouragement for aging athletes who wish to defy expectations and remain relevant in their sports.