Brittney Griner has expressed a feeling of renewal as she embarks on her first season with the Atlanta Dream, having spent the previous 11 years with the Phoenix Mercury. Reflecting on her transition, Griner emphasized finding her joy in the game once again, which she considers a significant personal milestone.
This season marks a turning point for Griner, who signed a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth $214,466 to join Atlanta, alongside notable teammates Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, under the guidance of new head coach Karl Smesko. Griner’s career, which includes accolades such as a WNBA championship in 2014, has been revived after overcoming adversities that included a serious injury to her left toe and a traumatic imprisonment ordeal in Russia.
Griner was detained in February 2022 for possession of cannabis oil and was wrongly held for almost ten months before her release in December 2022 as part of a prisoner swap. The emotional impact of her experience led her to consider retirement, but now, as she prepares to take the court for the regular-season opener against the Washington Mystics, she feels a renewed sense of purpose and youthfulness.
Her leadership is expected to play a crucial role in helping the Dream reclaim a spot as a competitive force in the league, especially after their last successful WNBA Finals appearance in 2013. Griner’s experience and skills could be pivotal in transforming Atlanta’s game strategy under Smesko’s innovative coaching style, which emphasizes analytics and player-driven play.
As Griner adapts to her new surroundings, she has embraced the Atlanta community, recognizing its familial atmosphere and cultural vibrancy, which contrasts with her past experience in Phoenix. The presence of her family nearby adds to her comfort as she juggles professional demands and her role as a mother with her wife, Cherelle.
The combination of a dynamic training environment and Griner’s passionate approach to the game sets an optimistic tone for the Dream this season. With her determination to elevate both her performance and her team’s prospects, Griner is positioned to make a significant impact as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.