Despite Hectic NBA Schedule, Mike Conley Travels 1,263 Miles To Embarrass Marc Gasol at Jersey Retirement Ceremony

The Memphis Grizzles add another chapter to their history books as they honor one of their best today. Just a few hours ago, the team’s former center Marc Gasol became the 2nd player in the history of the franchise to have his jersey retired. Attendees at the FedEx Forum and fans from around the world looked on as the No. 33 jersey rose high above the basketball court, allowing Gasol to earn his place amongst the other legends. With the ongoing NBA season approaching its final leg, many questioned whether a key member of the Grizzles ‘Core Four’ would have time to be present to honor his former teammate. As it turns out, neither Gasol nor those people were left disappointed.

Mike Conley Jr. managed to make it to the Grizzlies’ arena even though he had a game yesterday in Phoenix. Reportedly, he then had a flight to LA in 30 minutes for a shootaround tomorrow morning! The player didn’t just do a fly-by but lingered around for a bit to honor the all-time leader of the Grizzlies in minutes played (25,917), field goals made (4,341), free throws made (2,701), rebounds (5,952) and blocks (1,135). At the ceremony, Conley was seen entertaining the audience with a few stories from when he shared the court with Gasol.

“Zebo (Zach Randolph), whenever he wanted the ball, he would be like ‘Hey Killa, I need a shot real quick'”, Mike Conley recalled. “And Marc would be like….he’d start looking at me funny and speaking in Spanish. Don’t know what he is saying”. Even the Spaniard couldn’t help but bring out a smile as the audience erupted into laughter from Conley’s comments.

With just 5 more games remaining for the Timberwolves in the regular season, they’ve been dealing with a hectic schedule for quite some time. Despite that, Mike Conley made it a priority to be present for his pal, even if it meant losing out on a few hours of crucial sleep and traveling 1263 miles by flight! Having him present would have meant the world to Gasol, judging from the remarks he had made before the ceremony.

Marc Gasol reflects on having Mike Conley and the rest of the ‘Core Four’ at the ceremony

Marc Gasol, along with Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen, had established a partnership from 2010 to 2017 that popularly came to be known as the “Core Four”. Under their guidance, the Grizzles established a record-breaking 56-win season, appeared in the Western Conference Finals once, and won 4 out of 7 playoff series within that period. Having the four players back together for even one night was truly special.

“Tomorrow night is going to be even more special, having everybody in the house and connecting with them all together at the same time,” said Gasol. “Having those three guys on the court is obviously going to be more special.”

Randolph’s jersey was already retired before Gasol in 2021. Interestingly, for that ceremony, the Spaniard was the only one to turn up. In all fairness, Allen had legal troubles while Conley was with the Jazz. However, it was different this time around.

With Mike Conley not set to retire from the league anytime soon and no prominent buzz running amok about a possible Tony Allen jersey retirement, it may take some time before the four once again reunite in the future.

READ MORE: 16YO Marc Gasol Left Home Because of Brother Pau Only to Later Establish Iconic Grizzlies Legacy