PHOENIX — Brittney Griner worked out in front of cameras Thursday for the first time since her return from a 10-month detainment in Russia, two days after officially re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury.
Griner took the floor for an individual workout with Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard and worked on various shooting drills. Griner has worked out at the facility several days in the last week as she begins preparation for the start of the season in May.
The Suns had their longest practice in months Thursday as Kevin Durant had his first contact workout since spraining his knee Jan. 8 when he was with the Brooklyn Nets. It left Suns and Mercury players sharing the courts and Griner’s presence added to the excitement in the facility.
“Just to see her out there practicing, running around…it’s unreal,” Suns center Deandre Ayton said. “Her just being back, trying to get back in shape and just loving what she loves to do. Her mind is free, everybody’s happy.”
Griner, 32, had one of the best years of her career that last time she played in 2021, averaging 20.5 points, 1.9 blocks, 2.7 assists, and career-highs with 9.5 rebounds per game, 2.4 offensive rebounds and a .846 free throw percentage.
