February 9, 2008

Hornets.com caught up with Memphis rookie point guard Mike Conley, the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Conley has had some rough luck health-wise in his debut year, but has shown promise when healthy. The Ohio State product was playing in just his 21st game of the season at New Orleans, having missed 29 games due to injury so far:

Hornets.com: What’s been the toughest adjustment for you to the NBA as a rookie?
Conley: [smiles] Staying healthy, more than anything. Also the traveling, all the games you play, and the competition, which is very tough.

Hornets.com: After watching Chris Paul develop into an MVP candidate this season, are there any parts of his game you’d like to add or emulate?
Conley: His control of the game, his patience. He’s out there not making any mistakes. He’s a guy who really knows how to get his teammates open and for good shots. He controlled the game tonight. I am trying to let the game come to me and let the game slow down.

Hornets.com: What will you spend the most time working on in your game this summer?
Conley: Definitely shooting. I’m going to practice a lot of mid-range jump shots, because that seems to be what I’m getting a lot of during games.

Hornets.com: How long before Rudy Gay is an NBA All-Star?
Conley: [smiles] Not long at all. Hopefully next year.

Hornets.com: Gay will be on the Sophomores team during next week’s Rookie Game, while you’ll be on the Rookie squad. Have you guys been talking any trash about playing against each other?
Conley: Yeah we have. We’ve been talking back and forth for the last week or so. We’re excited about getting the chance to play each other.

Hornets.com: Has he talked about anything special he has in store for the dunk contest here next Saturday?
Conley: [after overhearing the question, grinning Grizzlies teammate Brian Cardinal turns to Conley and says, “Shhhh…”] Supposedly he does have something. I’m not sure exactly what it is, because he hasn’t told anyone, but hopefully it will be real nice.

Hornets.com: What was your reaction to the Pau Gasol trade?
Conley: I was a little surprised. I never imagined Pau getting traded. He was the face of the franchise. They’re just looking for a new beginning, to start over and to try to rebuild, so I understood the trade. We’re just trying to rebuild right now.

Hornets.com: As a good friend and former college teammate of Greg Oden, is there any aspect of his game that might surprise people when he makes his NBA debut next season?
Conley: Definitely his ability to win games. He’s a guy who always knows the time and situation in a game. He’s a guy who knows how to get his teammates involved, a big guy who can score. The ball is always going to go through him, but he knows how to keep his teammates happy. He’s going to make (Portland) that much better.