Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley has a pristine record of conduct in the league, likely the lone patron saint of composure in today's NBA where relationships between the players and referees are as heated as they get. Conley's first and only technical foul is a ghost, a quick whistle from former official Monty McCutchen on Nov. 13, 2014 in a game against the Sacramento Kings — one that was wiped away the very next day after review from the league office.
Conley's teammates are already plotting to corrupt that precious record, one that has him in the eyes of many as the quintessential on-court gentleman:
“He's got to get one!” said Donovan Mitchell, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
“No one cares. Just get one!” said Joe Ingles from a chair over.
“He has to get one,” Mitchell repeated, with Ingles chipping in with a plan.
“I'm going to try to get one but stand so close to him that they think it's him,” said Ingles, not even thinking that his distinctive Australian accent wouldn't fool anyone.
“You've got to curse the ref out from behind and then just walk away,” added Mitchell.
Ingles thought one step ahead: “Then when they try to rescind it, me and you can call the league.”
“Nah,” said Mitchell, pretending to talk to a league official, “he meant everything he said.”
Conley notes his teammates have tried to get him T'd up for years, but the only call that went against him many moons ago failed to stand for longer than 24 hours.
The 32-year-old has carried himself with dignity and respect through his 12 years in the league, and it seems there's little his new teammates can do to change that, no matter how hard they try.
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