After signing a five-year $153 million contract, the largest NBA contract at the time back in 2016, Mike Conley put a target on his back. With the lucrative deal, Conley was expected to ‘earn his money' and lead the Grizzlies into deep postseason runs, and possibly even a championship along the way if things fell in their favor. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned, and it has been entirely out of Conley's control.

After rehabbing an Achilles injury earlier in the season, it was determined that Conley would need to miss the rest of the NBA season due to surgery. His impact on the Grizzlies speaks for itself. The Grizzlies are currently 12th in the Western Conference, they have been one of the worst teams in the NBA so far, and Conley's presence is largely the cause of it. Conley, however, is staying optimistic about his potential return down the road. On Twitter, he posted a video of himself “heeling” after an extensive procedure on his heel.

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Conley's hard work and determination is what exactly endears him to the city of Memphis and its communities. The Grizzlies have also been grateful to Conley, waiting patiently through this injury process and sidelining him to make sure he heals properly. The Grizzlies will most likely miss the postseason this year. Their lack of talent has proved to be their greatest weakness so far in the regular season.

Looking ahead, Conley expects to make a full recovery and pick up where he left off. It should be interesting seeing one of the NBA's highest paid players can make a strong comeback next season.