If there was any player deserving of a loud ovation upon facing his former team, it sure is Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley Jr.
The 32-year-old playmaker, who spent his first 12 seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, played inside the FedEx Forum as a visitor for the first time in his career on Friday.
Almost everyone in the arena were on their feet as Conley was introduced prior to tip-off, as he was met with cheers and adulation from the home town crowd.
After a successful collegiate career in Ohio State, Conley was selected fourth overall by the Grizzlies in the 2007 NBA Draft.
He would serve as the catalyst in the team’s “Grit N’ Grind” persona and led the Grizzlies to multiple playoff appearances alongside Marc Gasol.
With Memphis opting to go on a full rebuild, Conley was traded Jazz for Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Jae Crowder, the No. 23 pick in the 2019 Draft and a future first-round pick in the offseason.
Conley holds numerous franchise records for the Grizzlies, including points scored (11,733), assist (4,509), steals, 1,161, and most three-pointers made (1,086).
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