Mike Conley Jr.
A point guard whose peerless professionalism and clutch shooting have made him the ultimate stabilizing force for every team he's led.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 11·Millennials
Biography
Mike Conley Jr.'s narrative is one of steady, relentless ascent. The son of an Olympic gold medalist, he entered the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a transformative draft class. There, he evolved from a hesitant rookie into the engine of the 'Grit and Grind' era, his slick ball-handling and improved three-point shot providing the necessary finesse to a physically punishing team. For years, his consistent excellence flew under the national radar, a fact highlighted by his long wait for an All-Star selection. A trade to Utah unlocked a new chapter, where he became the veteran leader for a contending team, finally earning that All-Star nod. Now with Minnesota, his role as the calm, experienced floor general for a young superstar core proves his value endures, making him one of the most respected and effective players of his generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mike was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mike Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mike's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named an NBA All-Star for the first time in 2021 at age 33.
- Holds the Memphis Grizzlies franchise records for career points, assists, and steals.
- Won the NBA Sportsmanship Award three times (2014, 2016, 2019).
- Led the NBA in free throw percentage during the 2016-17 season.
Did You Know?
His father, Mike Conley Sr., won an Olympic gold medal in the triple jump in 1992.
He was a high school teammate of Greg Oden at Lawrence North in Indianapolis.
He is known for being left-handed but shoots jump shots with his right hand.
He and his wife welcomed twins via surrogate in 2022.
“I've always tried to do things the right way, on and off the court. That's just how I was raised.”
