On Jan. 28, Brittney Griner agreed to a one-year contract with the Atlanta Dream. Last season marked her return to professional basketball after a period of detention in Russia and a new chapter in her career, one that combines athletic competition with social advocacy. As reported by ESPN, the one-year deal allows Griner to refocus on the sport she loves while also providing a platform for her continued work advocating for social justice and human rights.
Since being selected first overall in 2013, Griner has established quite the resume. Her decorated WNBA career includes a championship title (2014), two Defensive Player of the Year awards and two scoring titles, solidifying her status as a nine-time All-Star.
Griner’s journey back to the court followed a high-profile international incident. Her imprisonment in Russia brought global attention to her situation and raised concerns about the treatment of American citizens abroad. Her eventual release in a prisoner exchange paved the way for her return, a moment anticipated by fans and fellow athletes alike. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution highlighted Griner’s commitment to advocacy, particularly her involvement with the “Bring Our Families Home” campaign, dedicated to securing the release of other wrongfully detained Americans.
The Atlanta Dream, coming off a 15-25 season in 2024, anticipates a boost with Griner on the roster. The 2024 season proved challenging for the Dream. Despite having standout players like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Cheyenne Parker, the team struggled throughout the season. Injuries, inconsistent play, and defensive shortcomings proved to be major obstacles.
This resulted in an eighth-place finish and a second consecutive season without a playoff appearance. Other factors contributing to this included coaching changes and roster turnover.
The Atlanta Voice emphasized the team’s strategic offseason moves, including the pivotal signing of Griner alongside Hayley Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, signaling clear postseason aspirations. Griner’s skills and experience are expected to be instrumental in achieving this goal. Griner’s presence will provide a significant boost to the Dreams on both sides of the ball. Her ability to score in the paint and protect the rim will create matchup problems for opponents. She will also be a valuable mentor for the team’s young players.
“Brittney is a Hall of Fame player who brings unmatched skill, productivity, and an incredible level of unselfishness to the court, “Head Coach Karl Smesko said. “Her leadership and selflessness will not only elevate our team but also enhance the chemistry and culture that we are cultivating.”
The Dream’s upcoming season will be closely watched, with Griner’s presence a central focus. Her performance on the court, her integration with the team and the Dream’s overall success will be subject to scrutiny and analysis. The team’s stated goal of reaching the playoffs adds another layer of expectation to the season.
Griner’s return to the WNBA was a significant moment as it brought increased attention to women’s basketball and highlighted the league’s role as a platform for social advocacy. Her presence adds a compelling narrative to the upcoming season on and off the court.
