Conley will look for ways to fit in on the court, and there will be scenarios when he is needed. But the Celtics also acquired him, in large part, to be a steady veteran presence in the locker room, sort of like Al Horford was during his time in Boston.
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Yes, Conley will have a role as a player, but he will also display some qualities of a coach, and he is looking forward to both opportunities.
“It’s easy for me,” Conley said. “I’ve had this role for a few years on different teams. I’ll be ready to play when my number’s called, always. I’m a pro at that aspect. But my best thing is being able to connect with the guys, being able to give my experiences, share my experiences, and help guys in real time. Be another coach on the floor, be another coach on the bench. Talking to guys, try to get in their ear and be the best versions of themselves.”
Superstar forward Jayson Tatum can do just about everything on a basketball court, but he does not have a reputation for setting a tone with his voice.
Conley said leadership does not always have to look like a rah-rah moment. He said it is notable that Tatum took the initiative to invite a group of players to Los Angeles for workouts recently. And Conley said at the start of training camp, Tatum has not been shy about being heard, particularly when he sees a chance to mentor.
“From the outside looking in, I always thought he’s one of the best players in the league,” Conley said. “I think getting to know him now, he’s a guy that I feel is really kind of coming into his own as a leader, a guy that’s ready to make a jump. I think after the last couple years with the injury and things like that, he has a lot to prove. He’s out there trying to prove it. So I’m excited for him and his growth throughout the time I’m around him, and I’m just going to try to help him as best as I can.”
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard and Conley are both 6 feet 1 inch, and both have thrived over the years despite the fact that could be considered a limitation. Pritchard said he is a longtime admirer of Conley’s game, and he hopes to have similar longevity.
For now, Pritchard is soaking up all he can. And while accepting these morsels of wisdom and instruction, he has realized that Conley still has something to give as a player, too.
“I listen to everything he says and kind of follow him,” Pritchard said. “I love him as a person, great human being, but like, tremendous career and player, and just so many things he does well. Passing the ball, gets in the paint. Now, he shoots more floaters than I would. I’m more of a pull-up jumper. We talk about that, but just the way he sees the game, and somebody when I get on the bench or out outside the game, just seeing what he sees and picking his brain.”
Conley would like to help his teammates understand that success can be fleeting, and that a group this talented needs to capitalize now. He has participated in the playoffs in 13 of his 19 seasons, but has yet to reach the NBA Finals.
“It’s that sense of urgency that maybe reignites that for the guys who have already won it,” Conley said, “to kind of continue to push them every day and continue to show them how we want to win, at practices, and try to translate that to games.”
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.