Conley gave a heartfelt goodbye
Mike Conley left no doubt of the place Memphis holds in his heart Friday when he released a heartfelt goodbye to the city and the Grizzlies.
Exactly 12 years after the Grizzlies selected him fourth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, Conley issued his formal farewell in a video released by Uninterrupted.
"As my journey continues in Utah, I wish you nothing but happiness," Conley said in the 83-second clip.
The Grizzlies traded Conley to the Jazz on June 17.
Here is the full text of Conley's goodbye, which he read from a sheet of paper in the video:
"Dear Memphis, can you believe it's been 12 years? Me neither. Feels like just yesterday when we first met. I was just a 19-year-old kid then, ready to conquer the world. You wanted me, you picked me, you nurtured and loved me. We had our highs: Draft Night, our first conference championship series, wins, awards, records; and our lows: playoff heartbreak, injuries, old faces traded and retired.
"We made friends along the way as well: Marc, Z-BO, Tony, Rudy and even Vince Carter. We grew up together. We shared the experiences. We did some real good, raising funds and awareness for organizations that are dedicated to helping those in need. I will never forget all these memories, the passion, the love I have for you.
"But all good things must come to an end. As I continue my journey in Utah, I wish you nothing but happiness. They say it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. I say it's better to love and win. Always yours, Mike Conley."
NBA players voted Conley the 2018-19 Twyman Stokes Teammate of the Year, and he also won the 2018-19 NBA Sportsmanship Award.
He departed Memphis as the Grizzlies' all-time leading scorer.
Reach Grizzlies beat writer David Cobb at david.cobb@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Davidwcobb.