Mike Conley Has Quickly Earned Quin Snyder, Team’s Trust
Oct 2, 2019, 3:37 PM | Updated: Oct 3, 2019, 3:06 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Mike Conley has earned the respect of his new head coach. Conley has earned Quin Snyder’s trust unusually quick according to Utah Jazz head coach himself.
“It’s unusual that you trust a player so quickly but he’s earned that. That’s who he is,” said Snyder.
Conley is in his first season with the Utah Jazz after spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Memphis Grizzlies.
What more can I say about my city! You guys made me the man I am today! Memphis is home. Always! 🙌🏾🙌🏾..Time for another chapter! Excited to give all I have to The Jazz and Salt Lake City! 😁#LetsGetIt #GodsPlan #takenote 💪🏾
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) June 19, 2019
“It means a lot. It means a lot. Especially coming from Quin,” said Conley on earning Snyder’s trust.
The former Grizzlies point guard was traded to the Jazz on June 19, 2019 in exchange for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, and draft considerations.
The Jazz guard brings veteran experience at a position the team hasn’t had since trading Deron Williams in 2011.
“He’s got a presence,” said Snyder.
“The feel that he has for the game and the players around him is really unique … I’m excited to see him connect with other guys on the team and lead.”
-Coach Snyder on Mike Conley
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 30, 2019
Conley is Memphis’ all-time leader in games played, points, assists, steals, field goals, and 3-pointers.
He led the Grizzlies to the NBA playoffs in seven straight seasons. Memphis reached the Western Conference finals in 2013.
“Saying he’s a smart player sells him short,” said Snyder.
“I’m just coming in to be myself … Donovan's turned into a great leader, Joe’s a leader … All these guys lead in different ways …
I demand a lot out of myself … I pretty much just practice what I preach.”
-Mike Conley on assuming a leadership role
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 30, 2019
MORE ON CONLEY:
- Reports: Jazz Acquire Mike Conley; Send Korver, Crowder, Allen To Memphis
- Jazz Players Welcome Mike Conley To Salt Lake City
- Mitchell Asks Conley Question During Utah Jazz Media Day
- Jensen: Mike Conley Trade Makes Jazz Instant Postseason Contender
- Conley, Mitchell Enjoyed Off-Season Bonding Time
Conley’s High Praise Of Snyder
The former Grizzlies PG has had nothing but good things to say about his new head coach since coming to Utah.
“I consider him one of the best in the business,” said Conley about Snyder.
Since he was hired on June 6, 2014, Snyder has been building the Jazz’s basketball program each season. He’s led the team to playoff berths each of the past three seasons including two trips to the Western Conference semifinals.
“I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s doing here and what he’s built,” said Conley. “I just want to come in and be who I am and hope that’s good enough and you know so far it’s worked.”
“He really knows his stuff … He’s just constantly thinking of ways to improve the team, himself as a coach and I think it will be good for me to have a guy like that who’s just looking at me trying to make me a better player and person every day.”
-Mike Conley on Coach Snyder
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 30, 2019
The Jazz begin preseason play on Saturday, October 5 when they host the Adelaide 36ers at 7 p.m. (MDT)
