Mike Conley on coaching future: ‘I don’t know if I can coach these young people’

NBA general managers apparently have Mike Conley’s next career figured out. Conley would like a little more time to consider it.

The Celtics veteran was selected as the player who would make the best future head coach in the league’s annual GM survey. His reaction was considerably less certain.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for it,” Conley said on teammate Derrick White’s White Noise podcast, via Santino Honasan of Basketball Network⁠.

At 39 and in his 20th season, Conley has plenty of experience to offer. He’s directed offenses, worked alongside stars and helped younger teammates navigate the league. Those qualities make the coaching suggestion understandable.

Wanting the job is another matter.

“I’d rather be like, management, and just be around the game, but I don’t know if I can coach these young people,” Conley said.

That doesn’t mean he’s ruling it out. Conley made clear that the right opportunity could interest him, even if a seat on the bench isn’t his preferred next step.

“I’m not gonna shut that down. I’m saying I’m not going to shut down the idea of being a coach. I don’t necessarily want to be a coach, but I could,” he explained. “[The GMs] have their opinions, and rightfully so. I think it could be in an ideal situation.”

Conley joined the Celtics on a one-year deal this offseason, bringing veteran leadership after previous stops with the Grizzlies, Jazz and Timberwolves. His experience includes playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and Anthony Edwards as they established themselves among the league’s top guards.

There should be ways for him to remain involved when his playing career ends. Whether that means teaching players or helping choose them is a decision he hasn’t made.

The general managers have cast their votes. Conley hasn’t submitted his application.