PHOENIX — Brittney Griner, the star center for the Phoenix Mercury, has sustained a toe fracture on her left foot and will be out indefinitely, the WNBA team announced on Monday. Griner’s injury comes just as the 2024 WNBA season is set to begin, with Phoenix scheduled to play the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in one of the four opening games on Tuesday.
Griner, who became a global figure following her release from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange in December 2022, will undergo re-evaluation in the coming weeks. The Mercury have assured that updates on her condition will be provided as they become available.
The center’s arrest in February 2022 at an airport outside Moscow for carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil led to her conviction for drug smuggling. Following her trial, Griner was transferred to one of Russia’s most notorious penal colonies. Her release in December 2022, part of a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, was arranged after extensive negotiations amidst heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier that year.
Griner’s return to the WNBA in the 2023 season marked a significant moment for the league and her fans. Demonstrating resilience and skill, she averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, making a strong comeback and reinforcing her status as one of the top players in the league.
Her current injury is a significant blow to the Mercury, who were looking to build on last season’s performance. Griner’s presence on the court is pivotal for Phoenix, both for her scoring ability and her defensive prowess. The team will need to rely on its depth and other key players to step up in her absence.
Phoenix Mercury’s management expressed confidence in Griner’s recovery and emphasized their support for her during this period. “Brittney is a vital part of our team, and while it’s unfortunate to have her sidelined, we are fully behind her and committed to her rehabilitation,” a team spokesperson said.
As the WNBA season kicks off, all eyes will be on how the Mercury adapt to the absence of their star center. The team faces a tough challenge against the Las Vegas Aces, the reigning champions, in their first game. The Aces, with their formidable lineup, present a stern test for Phoenix, which will now need to find ways to compensate for the loss of Griner’s significant impact on both ends of the floor.
Griner’s journey over the past two years has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from her arrest and imprisonment in Russia to her triumphant return to the WNBA. Her story has resonated with many, highlighting issues of justice, diplomacy, and resilience. The basketball community and her fans worldwide will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift recovery and her return to action soon.
The WNBA’s 2024 season promises to be highly competitive, and while Griner’s injury is a setback for the Mercury, it also opens opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their talents. The Mercury’s response to this adversity will be crucial in determining their trajectory this season.
In the meantime, Brittney Griner’s health and recovery will remain a primary focus for the Phoenix Mercury and the league, as everyone looks forward to her return to the court.
