Mike Conley says exactly what Timberwolves fans want to hear about his new role

Mike Conley's (somewhat) surprising return to the Minnesota Timberwolves generally brought excitement to Wolves fans. However, there was some sense of concern that Chris Finch would continue to play Conley heavy minutes upon his return. Luckily, Conley seems ready to buy into a smaller (yet still meaningful) role. 

"I don’t expect to be out there 20 minutes or anything like that. Ayo, Bones, all these guys have earned their time and minutes on the court to get their opportunities and do what they do. I’m going to be ready and be prepared for whatever role that is. Whether it's in the rotation or spotty, whatever it is," Conley said during a recent press conference.

These comments should be music to Timberwolves fans' ears. At 38, Conley is no longer an everyday rotation player. Through 44 games, Conley averaged just 4.4 points, on 32.2 percent shooting from the field, yet he averaged 18.5 minutes. The vast majority of Wolves fans agreed that Chris Finch and the Wolves were leaning too heavily on Conley. 

With the addition of Ayo Dosunmu and the emergence of Bones Hyland, there's simply no justification for playing Conley, and thankfully, he seems open to a more limited role. 

Conley is ready to provide what the team needs

While Conley no longer provides much on-court value, his presence as a veteran leader will still uplift the Wolves. It's not shocking that Conley is open to this lesser role. Throughout his fantastic 19-year career, Conley has been a consummate professional. And since arriving in Minnesota, Conley's leadership has helped the Wolves reach new heights.

For a Wolves team that's prone to inconsistency, Conley's presence is especially vital. It's certainly telling that several players, including Anthony Edwards, openly advocated for Conley to return to Minnesota.

Now, while I don't think Conley should be playing any where close to 20-plus minutes a night, getting some occasional minutes should be in the cards. Conley getting meaningful minutes should especially be on the table when the team isn't at full strength.

Despite his flaws as a shot creator and defender, Conley still provides some level of value as a stabilizing playmaking force. This isn't enough for Conley to play sizable minutes, but in some occasional minutes, this skill set allows him to make some level of a positive impact in limited minutes. 

In what could be his swan song season, it only feels right for Conley to return to the Wolves, regardless of his role. With Conley seemingly willing to embrace a lesser on-court role, Wolves fans are surely hoping that Chris Finch will oblige.