3 things to know about Brittney Griner and Atlanta Dream’s offseason

Griner, who played for the Mercury from 2013-21 and 2023-24, was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2023. She’d wrongfully been detained for nearly 10 months in Russia in 2022, which obviously paused her basketball career. She’s become an activist and humanitarian. Her basketball career has successfully continued, too, as she’s made consecutive All-Star appearances since missing the 2022 campaign.

Sue Bird shared the following in her story for Time on Griner as one of the 100 most influent people of 2023.

“Brittney Griner’s story represents so much. First off, it’s about resilience. BG spent nearly 10 months in Russian prison, wrongfully detained, but never lost hope or her sense of humor. She was BG, through and through, throughout her horrible ordeal.

“But underneath this story of inner strength is so much more. BG’s wrongful detainment brought attention to issues like the inequities in pay for women athletes, which sometimes compel us to put ourselves in dangerous situations to maximize our financial worth. It brought to light the dozens of Americans wrongfully detained around the world, and BG continues to use her platform as a sports superstar to advocate for their release. It speaks to the power of the women who rallied around her — Black women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, our WNBA community — and who made certain her name was never forgotten, that she’d return home.”

Griner made impact in Phoenix over 11 seasons

Griner was an important person to Phoenix, where she’d spent the past 11 seasons. There’s been an outpouring of support from Arizona sports fans who were grateful to follow Griner’s career and life up close. Even Suns All-Star forward Kevin Durant said he was “shocked” to see Griner change teams, acknowledging the business aspect of it all while adding she’s found the perfect new home.

“Atlanta is an incredible vibe, an incredible place, and a great basketball town,” Durant told reporters. “She’s going to impact that city just as much as just her presence. I loved getting to play in the same city as her for the last couple of years. She’s been a good friend of mine for a while.”

Atlanta Dream’s offseason full of upgrades

This perhaps is the most notable offseason in team history. Griner rightfully will get the most attention and is among the most recognizable names to sign here in Atlanta basketball history. But she’s not the only upgrade.

The Dream hired Florida Gulf Coast coach Karl Smesko, who assembled a 611-112 record in his collegiate career before deciding to jump to the pros. Smesko is considered an offensive innovator, with his teams shooting 3-pointers at nation-leading volume. As one might suspect, a true center wasn’t part of that approach, so it’ll be interesting to see him with Griner.

Griner will be introduced alongside fellow free-agent additions Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough on Tuesday. Jones, a forward who’s spent her career with the Sun, is a three-time All-Star. She averaged 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds last season after returning from a torn Achilles. Walker-Kimbrough is a standout bench player who further bolsters the team’s depth.

The additions will make life easier on the Dream’s core group of guards: Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada. After finishing among the worst teams on offense last season, this new-look group should have a much easier time.