By Gabrielle Leon

Mike Conley, dubbed one of the most underrated players in the NBA by some of the game’s closest followers, continues to impress with his steady play. The eight-year veteran is averaging 16.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, leading the Grizzlies to a record best 25-game start in franchise history.

Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007, Conley has continued to progress as a player. He works hard and has grown into a more versatile athlete. Now, he shoots more, shoots better, gets to the line more often, dishes out more assists, and turns the ball over less all without sacrificing anything on the defensive end, where he has emerged as one of the top defenders at his position.

“Mike’s growing as a player. To me, he’s one of the top-5 point guards in the league,” said Zach Randolph. “He’s constantly getting better. When he first came in the league, he worked, worked, worked, worked, worked. Now it’s showing. He makes plays, he gets guys better, what more can you ask for.”

Conley’s leadership and assertiveness has become one of the biggest strengths to the Memphis roster. He controls the team’s pace and has become the engine that makes the team go. He puts the team on his back and is willing to do and give whatever the team needs to win.

“He sees what needs to be done, and he does it,” Head Coach Dave Joerger said after the Grizzlies defeated the Sacramento Kings in an early season battle. “If we need some scoring, if we need the ball up the floor, if we need a steal, if we need to get the ball into the paint... He has a great mind for knowing who needs to get what and at what time and makes the right read almost every time.”

“He’s a great player, a great guy,” Marc Gasol said. “He’s improved every year and keeps getting better and better, I’m very happy for him. He gets everybody going, he sets the tone for us. When he gets to the paint, he gets people going. He leads by example. We’ve been together for a long time as a team, we know when we are engaged and not engaged, we don’t need to say more but he does a great job setting the tone for us. When Mike goes, we go.”

So what is it about Mike Conley that has changed since he was the fourth overall pick in 2007 NBA Draft? Randolph says its confidence.

“It’s definitely confidence. He has confidence in his shot; he puts a lot of work in. He worked all summer, worked on his body. Now I tell him, ‘we play against the Chris Pauls and the Deron Williams, he’s Mike Conley,‘ right up there with those guys. That’s what he proves, that’s what he shows night in and night out.”

Conley has started every game so far this season and led the Grizzlies to a franchise-record 21-4 start. He’s recorded six double-doubles this season already including two point-rebound double-doubles and two of the point-assist variety. Conley is one of just five players to record multiple games with double-digit points and rebounds and multiple games of double-digit points and assists, joining LeBron James, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo and Reggie Jackson. His shot percentage continues to improve at all areas on the court, this season he’s recorded a career-best .416 at the three point line. When he’s on the floor, he gets his teammates involved and keeps them on task. He takes charge, makes plays and knows where the ball has to go. He’s become a do everything point guard.

“He’s great at what he does. He knocks down shots, makes plays for his teammates. I don’t think he gets enough credit. He’s one of the best point guards in our game,” Rondo said after facing Conley with the Celtics before being traded to the Mavericks. “He doesn’t play in a big market, so he doesn’t get a lot of the fame or the credit he deserves.”

Big market or not, Mike Conley’s big game is doing all the talking, and finally getting the recognition he deserves. He’s leading the Grizzlies to the best start in franchise history with the best record in the NBA. He continues to take on a leadership role for the team and has taken the Grizzlies to new heights.

“I think it’s a great honor to be a leader, especially for a team like this with so many great guys. It’s a great responsibility but a lot of fun,” said Conley. “It’s a lot of work, but I really enjoy it and I’m just blessed to have the opportunity.”