On Saturday, April 11, the Connecticut Sun announced they were signing center Brittney Griner to a one-year deal. This comes after the announcement of the Sun’s “Sunset Season”, making this the team’s final season in Mohegan Sun Arena.
BG’s Quick Turn-Around
Being a part of the WNBA since being selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, Griner brings quite a history to the Sun. She is heading into her twelfth WNBA season after averaging 9.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last summer with the Atlanta Dream.
The Dream was Griner’s first team switch after staying loyal to the Mercury for eleven seasons. In Phoenix, the WNBA named Griner the 2014 and 2016 Defensive Player of the Year. It comes as no surprise that the star player moved into second all-time blocks with 859 in league history this past season.
Pairing Up Nicely
Griner’s impressive defensive capabilities are exactly what the Sun needs. Her strengths will pair up incredibly well with Tina Charles’, who holds the all-time record for rebounds (4,262). The Sun having two postmen well into their careers that have built resumes as tall as buildings is exactly what their younger players need.
Two of the most notable rookies from last season included guard Saniya Rivers and forward Aneesah Morrow. Adding Griner into the mix as someone for these two to rely on is essential. Newcomers need models, and Griner is stepping in as the veteran they need.
“I think that experience that I can bring from being on teams that have won, teams that have kind of struggled a bit, I feel like I’ve seen it. I can bring that knowledge … I’m looking forward to just sharing my experiences,” Griner said.
Veteran Status Achieved
Griner is going to be a great model for the recently signed forward Nell Angloma. Coming from France, Nell was selected twelfth overall by the Sun in the 2026 WNBA Draft that took place on April 13. The qualities needed as a post in the WNBA are exactly what Nell can learn from Griner, even in just this one season.
General Manager of the Connecticut Sun, Morgan Tuck, expanded on Griner’s ability to be a role model for younger players this year.
“[The Connecticut Sun wants vets] not just because of what they bring off the floor for our younger players, but also what they can do on the floor. To have someone like BG who is a legend in all parts of our game all over the world — she’s going to be a Hall of Famer — but also the impact that she has off the court, I think that’s really special,” Tuck said.
While Griner is certainly a model for several qualities to look up to, she is also someone to look up to physically. Standing at 6-feet-9-inches, Griner holds the all-time dunk record in the league with 27 in total. Her quick pace is what is going to get more momentum into the team collective for this season.
Understanding the History
Despite it being the Sun’s last season in Connecticut, Griner knows to make it a great one. The veteran respects the history this team holds and knows to give it the lasting legacy it deserves.
“Something was built here that was rich and was done the right way, and fans, you know, they don’t want to see it go, and I can respect that,” Griner said.
After ending last season near the bottom of team rankings, the Sun will look to utilize Griner in order to serve them a final season worth celebrating.
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