Griner was arrested in Moscow in February 2022 after Russian authorities found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage. She was released in a prisoner swap in December 2022.
"She stands for so many people, so many different kind of people who can be undervalued in our society," Nygaard said. "She stands with pride and confidence and has never once has shied away from who she is."
Griner announced in April that she is working with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign formed last year by the family members of American hostages and wrongful detainees held overseas. She said her team has been in contact with the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being detained in Russia on espionage charges.
"She’s an amazing person on and off the court," Phoenix guard Moriah Jefferson said. "I think her energy just inspires everybody every single day to show up and be the best version of themselves." With all that has happened off the court, it’s easy to forget Griner had arguably her best season in 2021. She finished second in the MVP voting after averaging 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game. She was a major reason the Mercury reached the WNBA Finals before losing to the Chicago Sky.
Some fans arriving early to Crypto.com Arena wore T-shirts with Griner’s name and jersey number on them. She is expected to receive a warm reception in Los Angeles and other WNBA arenas across the country this season. She received a standing ovation before the Mercury’s
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