With their first win in the season opener in three years, the Timberwolves were hopeful the momentum from their fourth quarter comeback would continue into Friday night. It didn’t.
Minnesota made a starting lineup change this year, inserting Donte DiVincenzo at point guard for Mike Conley. It’s unclear if DiVincenzo at the point will work long-term, but it’s not off to a roaring start. Conley, the man he replaced in the lineup, looks to be close to finished in his age-38 season.
Mike Conley goes scoreless against the Lakers
It was a disappointing outing all around for the Timberwolves in their 128-110 loss to the Lakers on Friday. Allowing the opponent to shoot 59.2% from the field is never a recipe for victory.
Conley has always worked hard on the defensive end, even at his smaller size. His All-Defensive nod came all the way back in the 2012-13 season. Now in his 19th season, it’s becoming evident that effort alone isn’t enough. With his athleticism continuing to wane, Conley’s size becomes more of a hindrance.
Last season, Conley shot a career-worst 38% from inside the arc. In the playoffs, that fell even further to 25% (9-36). Through two games, he has missed all five of his 2-point attempts.
The final numbers in his 9 minutes of action on Friday weren’t pretty. No points, one assist, two turnovers, four fouls, and a -11. Perhaps Chris Finch became more aware that playing Conley wasn’t exactly helping the team. The 19-year veteran played just 1.5 minutes in the second half, with no playing time in the fourth quarter.
More Bones Hyland?
It’s obvious that Finch has a world of respect for Conley. And why wouldn’t he? Conley has always been the ultimate team player. He has been named the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year twice.
In a year with championship aspirations though, it looks as if it may be time to have Conley exit the rotation. Unfortunately, seeing more of Rob Dillingham won’t occur for the next few days after he fractured his nose on Friday within his first minute of action this season.
How about Bones Hyland taking all the backup point guard minutes (maybe even eventually starting)? After a solid preseason, Hyland puts more pressure on the opposing defense than Conley. Maybe Dillingham can find his way into the rotation once he returns from injury.
As a team-first player, Conley would still provide valuable leadership without playing time just like Joe Ingles does. The point guard position is still one that may be upgraded by trade at some point, but in the meantime, Finch has to go with the guys he has that can most help the team win. As Conley nears retirement, he doesn't seem to be a player that will do so.