The entire country has had one name on its lips since December 8th; Brittney Griner. Her release created a huge uproar in the country, involving many to be both for and against it. The only way the USA could secure her safe return was if they agreed to trade Viktor Bout. The Russian was an arms dealer who was imprisoned in the US. And it looks like President Joe Biden took the only opportunity he had.
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
It would be safe for us to claim that Brittney‘s release has caused plenty of controversy in the last week or so. Americans have shed light on the case of Paul Whelan, a former US marine who is jailed in Russia currently. Thousands believed that Brittney’s comments in the past, which have now come back to haunt her, were enough reason to not bring her back.
No matter what people claim, the truth is that Brittney is back home right now. The US government has claimed that they are working towards the safe release of Paul Whelan as well. On the other hand, Brittney looks to be getting on with her life after returning to the US.
Will Brittney Griner play in the WNBA?
The question of whether or when Brittney will play in the WNBA has been floating on fans’ minds recently. The last time she set foot on a basketball court was 10 months ago, in Russia.
After 294 days of tireless work… Our friend, sister, loved one, Brittney Griner is FREE. We love you BG 🧡 pic.twitter.com/UQ7PARbVhg
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022
It looks like the question might have been answered by her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, who spoke to ESPN after her client’s release. She claimed that the first move she pulled was a dunk when she touched a ball after almost a year. That shouldn’t be a surprise at all, considering the love she had for dunks when playing in the WNBA.
Speaking of the WNBA, will Brittney look to return? In Lindsay’s words, “If she wants to play, it will be for her to share. She has the holidays to rest and decide what’s next without any pressure”. Griner is undoubtedly one of the best players in women’s basketball. She has averaged 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game since joining the Phoenix Mercury in 2013.
The news of her stepping on to the court will be good news for those who want to return to the WNBA. But Lindsay has mentioned that we would have to wait for an official statement from Brittney herself, which could come anytime soon.