“I’m only watching TV shows, playing video games” - Mike Conley reveals the surprising key to his longevity for the Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the more confusing teams in the NBA, as many fans simply cannot figure out how, after a campaign of frustrations last year, they have suddenly become the top team in the Western Conference. There are a lot of big reasons for this development, but one of the more under-the-radar reasons for Minnesota’s success has been the strong play of Mike Conley off the bench. At 36 years old, Conley is one of the oldest players in the league, but he has become an absolutely crucial piece of the Timberwolves operation.
Mike Conley opens up on his longevity in the NBA
Conley was the fourth overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, and he has put together a solid career with the Memphis Grizzlies, Utah Jazz, and now the Timberwolves. Conley’s numbers (11.4 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.7 RPG, 46.6 FG%, 44.6 3P%) aren’t what they used to be, but he is one of Minnesota’s best playmakers and three-point shooters, and he is crucial to helping their offense stay afloat. Conley has kept his skills in tip-top shape for quite some time, and according to him, that’s because he does virtually nothing other than focus on basketball during the NBA season.
“I’ve been a guy that pretty much restricts myself to doing one or two things during the year. I’m only watching TV shows and playing video games. I’m not going outside. I’m not touching golf clubs. I’m not picking up furniture. I’m just not going to risk anything.” - Mike Conley said via The Athletic
Mike Conley’s comments on his longevity are certainly unique
Not everyone has what it takes to play at a high level in their mid-to-late-30s, which is something Conley appears to be quite aware of. As you get older, it takes more work to keep your skills up, so to do that, Conley pretty much only focuses on basketball. While he notes that he watches television and plays video games, he isn’t really exerting himself physically unless it involves playing the game of basketball or keeping his body in the best shape possible for basketball. That’s commitment right there.
In order to be great, you’ve got to put in the work to get results, and Conley has become more of a role player and is devoting his free time to keeping himself in tip-top shape. It may not be a formula that works for everyone, but Conley has perfected his new regimen, and the Timberwolves are reaping the benefits. If Minnesota intends to continue their hot streak to start the season, they are going to need Conley to keep on delivering, so for their sake, they better hope he sticks to watching television and playing video games in his free time.
