Joe Ingles and the Utah Jazz unceremoniously bowed out of the playoffs by blowing a 25 point lead in game 6 in a series they were up 2-0.
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Mike Conley was injured for most of the series, only playing in game 6. The Jazz guard made the All Star game this year and was a big contributor to the Jazz’s success. Initially, it didn’t seem like Utah needed him, racing out to a 2-0 lead.
However, his absence was felt hard in games 3-6. The Jazz offense would often crumble late in games without the steady hand of Conley to pace them. The Jazz guard has a tough decision to make this offseason. He could re-sign with Utah or choose to leave in free agency.
Joe Ingles and Mike Conley have become close friends over their time together in Utah and Ingles is hoping Conley decides to stick around.
Mike Conley: “It’s been an up-and-down two years, but it’s been wonderful. … Free agency is something I have to sit down and consider with my family. … I’ve had a great time time here, but I can’t speak to what will happen in the future.”
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) June 19, 2021
Will Mike Conley Leave The Utah Jazz In Free Agency? Joe Ingles Hopes He Doesn’t For The Sake Of His Daughter
Conley and Ingles have a special relationship in Utah. Playing together for two years, the two have developed a tight bond, something that extends over to their families as well.
In fact, Mike Conley’s son and Joe Ingles’ daughter are in the same class and have a close friendship too. For this very reason (and for other obvious ones too of course), Ingles hopes that Conley sticks around in Utah.
Reminds me of one of my favorite Jazz photos ever… just Joe and Mike being boring dads watching their kids play soccer while their wives pose with coffee in front of them pic.twitter.com/jOpbQAUP4x
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) June 19, 2021
In matching black hats and masks too, lol. It’s like… the perfect distillation of the differences between stereotypical male and female adult friendship
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) June 19, 2021
The Jazz have some serious questions to answer this offseason after yet another disappointing playoff run. They were the #1 seed in the West, and yet they still failed to make it out of the second round. Mike Conley could be the veteran presence they need on this otherwise young team.
His absence during the playoffs was definitely something that negatively impacted the Jazz. Without him, the offense would often fall into lulls, going long periods of time without scoring significantly. While Conley isn’t Durant when it comes to scoring, he can still facilitate better than anyone on the Jazz and that’s something they need.
Conley does have to weigh his options, however. It is his decision after all. What will he decide to do, and how will it affect the Jazz? Only time will tell.
