Jazz Guard Mike Conley Leaves NBA Bubble For Birth Of Son
Aug 16, 2020, 11:15 AM | Updated: Aug 17, 2020, 1:14 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Mike Conley has left the NBA bubble to be with his wife for the birth of his son. The Utah Jazz announced the departure Sunday, one day before the team will face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Conley’s wife, Mary Peluso, had a due date of August 27.
The Jazz were already shorthanded before as they prepared to face the Nuggets, playing without forward Bojan Bogdanovic who had season-ending wrist surgery in May. Conley had seen a significant uptick in play before his departure.
Mike Conley update:
Mike departed Orlando this morning and returned to Columbus, Ohio for the birth of his son.
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) August 16, 2020
Conley has averaged 18 points, five assists, and three rebounds in the NBA bubble, giving the Jazz a much-needed boost from their prized offseason acquisition. The veteran was particularly good against the Nuggets this season, averaging 20.5 points and seven rebounds, both season-highs against any team this year.
The Jazz and Nuggets open the NBA playoffs Monday at 11:30 am MT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and locally on AT&T SportsNet.