?Where She Belongs?: Draymond Green, Scottie Pippen and NBA World Sound Off on Brittney Griner?s Release

After months of negotiations between the US and Russia, WNBA star Brittney Griner was finally released on Thursday. As per reports, Griner was released in a prisoner exchange deal for Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer who was incarcerated in the US. Ever since her arrest in February, many celebrities and sporting icons have shown their support for her. Many expressed their disappointment in the government’s efforts to bring her back to the country as well. Current basketball stars and legends of the game rallied for her freedom over the last few months.

After the Phoenix Mercury center was released, some stars of the NBA world took to Twitter to show their relief and excitement.

Reactions from the NBA world on the release of Brittney Griner

NBA legends Scottie Pippen and Magic Johnson, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving and legendary basketball coach Geno Auriemma expressed their excitement about Griner’s release.

Here are some of their reactions on Twitter:

Magic Johnson also shared his thought about former US marine Paul Whelan, who remains in prison in Russia for almost four years now.

Over the last few months, the basketball community used its platform to support Brittney Griner. The Boston Celtics initially showed their support during the 2021-22 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The players were seen wearing a “WE ARE BG” shirt to take it to the masses. This later became the slogan for the whole movement. The WNBA had a season-long campaign in support of their star. Many past and present WNBA stars voiced their support for the eight-time All-Star throughout the season.

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Los Angeles Lakers great?LeBron James criticized the government for its efforts to bring her back. Fellow NBA superstar Stephen Curry was a huge voice as well. On multiple occasions, Curry talked about the former WNBA champion and further called on the government to bring her home. Notably, he spoke about her during the 2022 ESPYs, which he hosted, and during the Golden State Warriors‘ championship ring ceremony.

Stephen Curry on Brittney Griner’s release

Stephen Curry most recently spoke about Brittney Griner’s release during?Sports Illustrated?s 2022 Sportsperson of the Year Awards. Curry stated, “We are glad that she?s home, we?re glad that she?s reunited with her family. It?s a constant reminder for everybody continuing to use their platforms to speak on issues that are meaningful and can move the needle.”

He then thanked President Joe Biden and his administration for securing her freedom.

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Curry then thanked Brittney Griner for her “sacrifice, perseverance, and patience”. Curry gave huge props to all the athletes and activists who used their platforms to speak for Griner and play their part in bringing her home.