Timeout with Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies

Most people see National Basketball Association (NBA) players at the peak of their performance on the court. Few get to see what goes on after they leave the gym, and when people begin talking about athletes with giving hearts, the first name that comes to mind is often Mike Conley, point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies.

It begins with his dedication to sportsmanship. “I think for me, sportsmanship is about being competitive but also having a good time and not taking it out of perspective that it is a game,” says Conley. “You want to win, but at the same time you understand that they’re human just like you, and we should treat everyone the same.” He’s also well-known for the three-finger salute he gives each time he makes a three-point shot, humbly acknowledging his feat.

His father is Olympic gold and silver medalist triple jumper Mike Conley, Sr., who instilled in him deep ethical standards. He has played exclusively with the Grizzlies since being drafted in 2007 with the fourth pick overall. In an exemplary display of fair play, Conley has a perfect record of zero technical fouls in his career. The league is aware of his dedication, and he won the national Joe Dumars Trophy for sportsmanship, triggering an NBA donation of $10,000 to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, the charity of his choice.

His choice of St. Jude is based on the hospital’s research into sickle cell anemia, an inherited disorder that strikes predominantly African-Americans, in which blood cells are shaped like crescents and can block blood flow, leading to organ damage, pain and infection. Conley has two cousins that battle sickle cell, which increases his motivation to find a cure, especially for children.

One of Conley’s favorite events in the community was when he had the chance, along with the entire team, to make a young boy’s wish come true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation Mid-South Chapter. An 8-year-old boy, Chavis Brewer, was driven to Memphis to become a member of his favorite NBA franchise, because his dream was to play for the Grizzlies.

Brewer signed a contract to be a member of the team and then got to hang out with the players, tour the locker room and spend time on the court. “It felt great. It felt fantastic to see the whole family so full of energy,” says Conley. “And it was a humbling experience, to be honest. Just to see the smile that I was able to provide that family was a very humbling experience.”

Conley also has a deep faith in Christianity. “I feel I wouldn’t be here today without the guidance and knowledge I have through Christ,” he says. “I truly am grateful every day for the opportunity to wake up and be able to do this for a living and make people happy.”

When Conley has time to himself, he plays golf, goes bowling, watches movies and indulges in one of his favorite pastimes, playing video games. He and his wife, Mary, also have a beloved dog named Rio, a German shepherd. “I’ve had him for four years, and for me and Mary, that’s our baby right now. This great dog brings smiles to our faces every day.”

Conley has an easygoing, sunny disposition, and he likes to share it with the fans and everyone he meets. “I was raised to be a people-pleaser kind of guy,” he shares. “I care about how my teammates feel, and I just want everyone to be happy and enjoy the game.”