Grizzlies Announce Mike Conley Will Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

The point guard is expected to make a full recovery before open training camp.

Memphis Grizzlies warms up before the New Orleans Pelicans.
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Image via Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Memphis Grizzlies warms up before the New Orleans Pelicans.

Mike Conley’s season has been cut short due to an ongoing foot problem.

On Saturday afternoon, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that the 30-year-old point guard will undergo a season-ending surgery “to smooth a small bone protrusion” in his left heel. The team’s general manager Chris Wallace shared the news in an email sent to season ticket-holders.

Conley is expected to make a full recovery before training camp next season, according to Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com.

Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace announces in email moments ago to MVP season-ticket holders that Mike Conley will require season-ending surgery "to smooth a small bone protrusion" in his left heel. Conley is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp.

— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) January 27, 2018

Conley began experiencing issues with his Achilles a couple of seasons ago; however, he reportedly said that this bone protrusion was unrelated to the previous injury. He has not received any playing time since Nov. 13, shortly before the team announced he was being sidelined due to soreness in his left heel. Conley only appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 17.1 points and 4.1 assists.

After trying different treatment options, it seemed as though Conley was making progress earlier this month, as he was able to participate in the three-on-three scrimmages. However, according to Michael Wallace, the pain would not go away.

Conley last played on Nov. 13 and has been limited to just 12 games this season. He has tried various treatment options on the heel, and recently got as far as working out in 3-on-3 scrimmage sessions earlier this month. But pain/soreness persisted.

— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) January 27, 2018

Conley has been around the team throughout the process, and interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said his presence has been an emotional boost, particularly for younger players. Conley has insisted that the heel/bone issues is not related to the Achilles issue he had two seasons ago.

— Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) January 27, 2018
More Chris Wallace: "So, what does that mean for the balance of this season, which to date has not gone as we had planned and hoped? Simply put, we are committed to playing hard and playing the right way night in and night out, while developing our young talent ..."

The Grizzlies, who are 17–31 this year, will take on the Phoenix Suns this Monday.  

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