The unfortunate situation of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia has not changed. Even though it has been over 6 months since her detention, the situation has not improved. She was detained in a Russian airport for carrying cannabis oil vape cartridges. She pled guilty, however, maintained that she did not have the intent to break Russian laws. And that she had packed it in a hurry. After multiple trials, the Russian court sentenced her to 9 years. Recently, Griner’s lawyers have further appealed.
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Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Furthermore, Griner plays for the UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League. She helped the team win the Russian league in 2017. The Phoenix Mercury won the WNBA title in Griner’s rookie season.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is one of the best female players in the league. Also, one of the tallest players with a giant wingspan. Interestingly, her wingspan is bigger than some of the superstars in the NBA.
Brittney Griner has better standing reach than LeBron James
Griner is 6’9” tall, like Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, is 6’11” tall. James and Giannis are some of the most athletic players in the league. However, Griner‘s wingspan is 7’3.5” which is greater than both James and Giannis. As per reports, the wingspan of the 4 times NBA champion measures 7?, and the Greek Freak’s wingspan is 7’3”. No wonder she was a great player in the WNBA.
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Griner was a huge college star for the Baylor Lady Bears and led them to an NCAA championship win in 2012. After the Phoenix Mercury drafted her in 2013, fellow #1 draft pick, James had some interesting words about her. He compared Brittney Griner with Wilt Chamberlain. James said that she could dominate the game as Chamberlain did during his time in the NBA.
He said, ?There?s really no one that can match her right now? But what she?s doing out there on the floor, it?s not fair, it?s like Wilt. She?s out there like Wilt? She?s too big, she?s too strong.?
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The ‘Chosen One’ also showed strong support for Griner after her detention. He questioned the country’s efforts in bringing her back. However, his comments didn’t sit well with the fans and he had to later clarify what he meant. A lot of players from the NBA have shown their support for Griner in the last 6 months. However, things have changed little.