Mike Conley addressed the media Thursday morning following the Timberwolves’ elimination in the Western Conference Finals, offering insight into his health, evolving role, and the future of the young Minnesota roster.
The 37-year-old guard, who averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists across 71 regular season games, said his body held up well after a rocky start.
“As the season progressed, I got better and better,” Conley said. “By playoff time, I was back and feeling good.”
Conley, entering the final year of a two-year, $20.8 million deal, discussed his current workload and how Minnesota found a rhythm late in the year that suited his recovery needs.
“We found something really good… 20, could be 24, 25, whatever,” he said. “The body felt real good, recovering and doing the things I need to do.”
Minnesota’s veteran floor general, who started all 15 playoff games, remained open to whatever role the team sees fit for him next season.
“Start, come off the bench, like whatever you want me to do, I’ll do,” he said. “Whatever’s best for the team.”
Despite being swept aside by Oklahoma City in Game 5, Conley praised his teammates, calling them “young,” “fun,” and “a joy to be around.”
“They’re special, man,” he said. “They enjoy the game, they enjoy the journey… all the things that you want to go to fight for.”
When asked about what Minnesota must improve to take the next step, Conley pointed to a stronger personal commitment to details from each player.
“It has to become even more important to them,” he said. “Using the minds around you to help you grasp certain concepts… that’s how you raise your standard.”
Conley credited the Thunder for their consistency, physicality, and composure under pressure in the Western Conference Finals.
“They were airtight,” he said. “They did everything more consistent than we were.”
He also singled out rookie Rob Dillingham for his off-court work and emphasized the importance of physical development.
“He’s been in the weight room a lot… trying to get his body to a certain level,” Conley said. “He’s excited to get to the offseason.”
Reflecting on the team’s trajectory, Conley cited resiliency as a defining trait.
“To fight through that and stay together… that’s what was special about the unit,” he said. “Just thankful that we found it — at least to a point.”
Conley said he volunteered to speak first Thursday morning, having barely slept after the loss and wanting to begin the offseason reset.
“I knew I wouldn’t be sleep,” he said. “Got to see my kids this morning… then might as well come in and knock it out.”
On sharing perspective with younger teammates, Conley acknowledged some lessons can’t be taught.
“It is something that has to be learned as they get older,” he said. “You got to seize every opportunity you can get.”
Conley went scoreless in Game 5 and averaged 6.0 points in the postseason, but his leadership remains valued in Minnesota’s locker room as the organization looks toward next season.
