Mike Conley Wins 2023-24 NBA Teammate of the Year Award over Knicks' Brunson, More

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley was named the NBA's Teammate of the Year for the 2023-24 season Wednesday.

Conley, the 2018-19 winner as well, was one of 12 finalists for the honor. The award celebrates "the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team."

Conley's arrival in Minnesota flew under the radar a bit because he was arguably the third-most notable piece included in the sprawling trade that involved the Wolves, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. The transaction saw Russell Westbrook land in Utah and D'Angelo Russell return to Los Angeles.

In retrospect, the Lakers probably rue not having acquired Conley from the Jazz straight up.

Through his season and a half in Minneapolis, the 36-year-old is averaging 12.1 points and 5.7 assists and shooting 43.6 percent from beyond the arc. He has been an excellent facilitator for guard Anthony Edwards and forward Karl-Anthony Towns, while his experience and leadership are invaluable for a roster that wanted to take a leap forward in the postseason.

"The guys trust me, both players and coaches," Conley said, per Deseret News' Sarah Todd. "I've got all those guys' best interest at heart and I think I put myself aside for the betterment of the team and they know that. So anything I say or do or have a message to speak on, they know it's coming from a good place and that I don't have any other agendas behind it."

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also described Conley as "an adult in the room" who isn't afraid to hold teammates accountable in a productive way.

"His teammates love him, they respect him, they look up to him and then it's all backed by the fact that he can still go out and play at a super high level," Finch said. " ... It's definitely something that we didn't have before he joined us."

The 2020-21 All-Star undoubtedly exemplifies everything the NBA's Teammate of the Year represents.