標籤: Conley

Minnesota Timberwolves veteran guard Mike Conley shared information about how he helps teammate Anthony Edwards stay focused during games, showing that conversations about football sometimes become part of the process.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-23) prepare to face the Orlando Magic (33-28) on Saturday at 2:00 PM ET on Prime Video, reporter Christina Pink caught up with Conley before the game to discuss the dynamic between the veteran guard and the team’s young star.

Conley explained that he takes on a mentorship role, looking for opportunities to guide Edwards through different situations on the court.

“I’m just trying to get the most out of him. Any chance I can get to teach him something or make him pay attention to a certain thing on the court, whether it’s trying to figure out the double-team or trying to improve his shot, or trying to find opportunities for myself for my teammates.”

Conley said Edwards may sometimes need a more unconventional approach to keep him mentally engaged. The Timberwolves guard noted that Edwards’ playful personality sometimes leads him to talk about topics unrelated to basketball during games.

“Just trying to keep him engaged in the game in a different way because he can start talking about football and start talking about other things in the middle of the game because that’s just how he is. He’s a kid, he just loves to have fun so you know, just keep him locked in and ready to go.”

“[Ant] He can start talking about football, he can start talking about other things in the middle of the game.”😅

19-year-old veterinarian Mike Conley explains @christina_pink How he helps keep Anthony Edwards locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/X7YVAuD2OU

– NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) 7 March 2026

Conley’s reference to football also connects to Edwards’s well-known interest in the sport. The Timberwolves guard has previously stated on several occasions that he would like to try playing professional football if he wins an NBA championship before turning 30. Edwards has joked that he could potentially play wide receiver or even serve as a backup quarterback if he wants to pursue an NFL opportunity.

Mike Conley explains how he keeps Anthony Edwards focused despite football talk

Conley, a longtime NBA veteran known for his leadership and steady presence at point guard, has played a key role in guiding Minnesota’s young core. His experience has proven valuable as Edwards has developed into one of the league’s premier guards.

Now in his sixth NBA season, Edwards is having the most efficient campaign of his career. The 24-year-old guard is averaging 29.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting a career-best 49.5% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.

In 53 games this season, Edwards has logged 35.6 minutes per contest and has emerged as the focal point of Minnesota’s offense while continuing to develop as a two-way presence.

His production has helped guide the Timberwolves to a 40–23 record, placing them among the top teams in the Western Conference standings. Minnesota enters Saturday’s matchup riding a five-game winning streak while building momentum toward the postseason.

The Timberwolves have also reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the past two seasons, a run that coincided with Edwards’ rapid rise as a franchise centerpiece.

With Conley providing experienced leadership and Edwards continuing his lead, Minnesota will look to maintain its strong form as it prepares for another deep playoff push.

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded 38-year-old point guard Mike Conley Jr. at the NBA trade deadline, not only to create some financial flexibility but also to open the door for forward Ayo Dosunmu. After being traded again and ultimately released by the Charlotte Hornets, Conley is officially returning to Minnesota for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, as first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Since the trade deadline, re-signing Conley has been a foregone conclusion for the Timberwolves. As a result of Minnesota having 13 players on its active roster for 14 days, it will have to fill at least one of its two open roster spots on Tuesday per league rule.

That’s why Conley has officially signed his contract and is rejoining the team he has spent the last four years with.

The reason Conley was allowed to re-sign with that team is because after being traded to the Chicago Bulls, the veteran guard was once again redirected to Charlotte. He was then released, allowing the Timberwolves to re-sign him.

Although his numbers and effectiveness have declined in his 19th NBA season, Conley is still a respected player, and has played an important leadership role for the Timberwolves over the past few seasons. Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch and many others in Minnesota have always praised his character and ability to help the team move forward.

After the trade deadline, Edwards advocated for Conley to return to the team, making it clear that everyone in the Timberwolves locker room wanted to see the veteran return.

“I keep hearing he might come back, so hopefully he comes back, and I hope he sees it,” Edwards said, via Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune, after a 128–126 win over the Toronto Raptors on February 4. “We want you back, Mike. He knows we miss him.”

In 44 games with the Timberwolves this season, nine of which he started, Conley has averaged 4.4 points and 2.9 assists while shooting 32.1 percent from 3-point range in about 18.5 minutes per game.

Conley will see less minutes on the court in this matchup with Minnesota, especially now that Dosunmu plays a key role in the backcourt behind Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo. The Timberwolves are currently 34-22 and find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference coming out of the NBA All-Star break.