Conley carries the burden as Grizz youth movement moves on

If the 2012 Olympics roll around and Mike Conley doesn't happen to be wearing the red-white-and-blue uniform of Team USA, you'd have to figure he could still get a free trip to London by helping out with the archery competition.

By now, Conley has grown accustomed to target practice after lugging around more than his share of bull's-eyes -- usually on his back.

As the Grizzies' youth movement and rebuilding climbs steadily up the ladder, the 22-year-old point guard continues to carry an extra burden. He seems to be the lightning rod for any overall shortcomings of the team, the symbol of as-yet unfulfilled expectations.

"I don't exactly know why," said coach Lionel Hollins. "He has shown what he can do on the floor. We went from 24 wins to 40 wins and he doesn't get any credit for it. He does a good job. Just like all of our young players, they all have to get better. Mike has to be vocal, he has to be more aggressive and he has to play better defense.

"But I can say that about all the young guys on my team. I can go to O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol and list all of the things that they have to improve. But it's Mike that always seems to draw everyone's attention and get singled out."

The added attention likely comes in part from being the No. 4 pick in the 2007 Draft and the era in which Conley is playing. This is, after all, the age of the point guard, where Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Derrick Rose are already established big-time scorers as well as distributors and 2010 top pick John Wall is expected to step right in and make a similar instant impact on the Wizards.