The Minnesota Timberwolves' pulling Mike Conley from the starting lineup in favor of Donte DiVincenzo just hours before their first game was a move that caught everyone's attention. Recently, Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore noted this was a decision that was made in the days leading up to opening night, rather than the plan all along.
This makes sense given that Conley started over DiVincenzo in both preseason games, when the two guards were available. At the same time, it shows that the Wolves were likely caught off guard by how much Conley declined over the offseason and ultimately decided they had to go in a different direction.
It's not exactly shocking that Conley was removed from the starting lineup. However, replacing him with an off-ball guard and operating with a point guard by committee approach is telling. In the two games where Anthony Edwards was healthy, Conley averaged just 11 minutes.
Now that Edwards is out for two weeks with a hamstring injury, Conley has assumed his typical duties as the starting PG. He recorded a season high of 25 minutes against the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Regardless, this is based on necessity, not a belief in Conley.
Chris Finch and the Wolves want to use Conley in a limited bench role
Four games into the season, Conley has averaged 4.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 25/30/100 shooting splits. He somewhat looked like himself during Monday's game, posting 10 points and four assists, but he still shot 3-7 from the field and was targeted on defense.
Conley has declined mightily as a shot creator. Last season, he averaged career lows in minutes (24.7) and points (8.2). It's not exactly shocking that this trend has continued during his age-38 season. Conley has had a wonderful career, but it's clear he's now utilized best in a lower minutes rotation role.
The Ohio State product can still facilitate an offense at a high level, a skill that the Wolves desperately need. However, Conley's lack of shot creation, burst, and subpar defense are clear downsides for the 6-foot guard. These problems will be even more noticeable without Edwards.
Will Conley continue to start without Edwards? That feels likely for now. Nevertheless, the first two games highlight that Chris Finch prefers him in a lesser role, and I think most Wolves fans would agree that suits him best.
Conley, Bones Hyland, and Rob Dillingham are the Wolves' three point guards. Hyland has gotten a surprisingly large role, but I'd be shocked if the Wolves look to play him much more than the 14.5 minutes per game he's receiving. Dillingham is talented yet still raw, and it's clear Finch doesn't trust him yet. Conley's steady playmaking makes him the most trusted of this crew, but he has clear downsides outside of that. Undoubtedly, this highlights why the Wolves' PG room is a clear flaw.
For the next two weeks, Conley should have a sizable rotation role. Regardless, once Edwards returns, the Wolves will likely go back to a point guard by committee approach, and Conley will assume a smaller role. At this stage of his career, that's best for all parties.