Mercury to Honor Brittney Griner in Return to Phoenix

The upcoming Phoenix Mercury home game against the Atlanta Dream holds special significance as Brittney Griner faces her former team for the first time since joining the Dream in the offseason. The Mercury organization plans to honor Griner by distributing "thank you BG" placards to the first 5,000 fans and hosting a shoe drive with donations accepted during the game.

Griner established herself as a franchise legend after being selected first overall in the 2013 draft. She immediately transformed the Mercury—who had recorded their worst-ever season (7-27) before her arrival—leading them to the Conference Finals in her rookie All-Star season. During her 11 seasons in Phoenix, she won the 2014 championship, earned 10 All-Star selections, and became beloved for her personality and humor, despite missing the 2022 season due to detention in Russia.

The Mercury will showcase Griner's extensive accomplishments through a pre-game tribute video. She remains the franchise's all-time leader in rebounds and blocks (with 461 more blocks than the second-place player), ranks second in points scored and fourth in assists. Her accolades include two MVP runner-up finishes, two scoring titles, and eight blocks titles.

Now 34, Griner has adapted to a reduced role with Atlanta, averaging career lows of 10.3 points and 23.4 minutes per game, but remains a key starter for the Eastern Conference's second-place team. With multiple exhibits already featuring her in the Basketball Hall of Fame, her induction for her illustrious career is considered inevitable.