When Brittney Griner and Kevin Durant crossed paths in 2023, it sparked a particular second. The previous Phoenix Mercury heart and present Phoenix Suns ahead shared that second forward of Durant’s first recreation in Phoenix. After spending the earlier 4 seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, he was traded to the Suns.
Since then, he is continued his dominant stretch. In the meantime, Griner continued her dominant stretch. Since returning within the 2023 WNBA season, Griner helped followers bear in mind how she was so dominant. In her first season again, she averaged 17.5 factors, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per recreation.
Contemplating she hadn’t performed basketball in almost a yr, it was fairly spectacular. Earlier than the 2024 season, Griner took a pay minimize to stick with the Mercury. As soon as their season ended within the playoffs, she examined free company for the primary time. Then, Griner left the Mercury and signed with the Atlanta Dream. It caught many off guard, together with Durant.
Nevertheless, he defined after Wednesday’s recreation about his preliminary response to Griner becoming a member of a brand new squad.
“Yeah, I used to be positively shocked to see that,” Durant stated. “That is simply a part of skilled sports activities, however BG has simply been a staple right here within the metropolis for therefore lengthy. It is sort of bizarre seeing her with a brand new group, however everyone wants to alter. All people needs to discover totally different components of the nation and dwell in several components and play basketball in several components of the nation.
“Atlanta is an unbelievable vibe, an unbelievable place, and an amazing basketball city. She’s gonna influence that metropolis simply as a lot as simply her presence. I beloved attending to play in the identical metropolis as her for the final couple of years. She’s been buddy of mine for some time.”
Kevin Durant understands why Brittney Griner left the Mercury
If anybody understands leaving a franchise and going to a different, it is Durant. He left the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on the finish of the 2015-16 season and joined the Golden State Warriors. It left followers in shambles and had many resenting Durant for his choice. Nevertheless, as he is talked about a number of instances, he wanted a change of surroundings.
The identical will be stated for Griner. She spent 11 seasons with the Mercury and compiled a Corridor-of-Fame profession. She leads the franchise in all-time blocks and rebounds whereas rating second in all-time factors. To not point out, the 2014 WNBA championship she received with the 29-5 Mercury squad. On the time, that was the very best common season document in WNBA historical past.
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Nonetheless, the tip of the 2024 season introduced many questions. Would Griner return to Phoenix? As evidenced by her transfer, she decided that was greatest for her profession. The identical occasion occurred with Durant. Nevertheless, individuals reacted otherwise to Durant’s choice vs Griner’s.
Brittney Griner signing with the Dream comes as a shock
Though making a profession transfer is widespread for many gamers, one thing of this magnitude wasn’t anticipated. In any case, Griner stayed for 11 seasons. Plus, the Dream have a gifted roster, however one that may not match her play fashion. As an illustration, new Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko is about tempo and house.
Griner primarily dominates within the paint and on the low block. Her peak, fast toes, and ball fakes make her a menace. Plus, her physicality can match up with nearly any heart or ahead. Nonetheless, pairing up with guards like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Grey brings quite a lot of promise.
Regardless if it is a private alternative or an opportunity to win a WNBA title, Griner made the choice that feels greatest for her. On the finish of the day, as Durant stated, she’ll go away town of Atlanta higher than she left it together with her on and off-the-court presence.