Brittney Griner trains with her Phoenix Mercury teammates for first time since jail release

Brittney Griner joined her Phoenix Mercury teammates for training camp practice on Sunday, saying it was ‘everything that I wanted it to be’.

The 6-foot-9 center was back on the court with the team for the first time since being released from a Russian penal colony on December 8.

Griner spoke to the media on Wednesday – the first time since being released in prisoner swap that allowed arms dealer Viktor Bout to return to his native Russia.

She broke down in tears during the press conference after a reporter struggled to keep her emotions in check and began weeping while asking the opening question. 

On Sunday he was back at practice with her Mercury teammates ahead of the new season. 

Brittney Griner joined her Phoenix Mercury teammates for training camp practice on Sunday

‘It’s everything that I wanted it to be, just finding my groove, just getting back into it,’ Griner said. 

‘Am I where I want to be? No, because last time I was with my team I was against Chicago in the Finals, and as much as I want to be ‘Finals BG’ right now, it’s not the case.

‘So, just kind of giving myself some grace and my teammates just picking me up. But I feel like I’m at a good spot to start a training camp though for sure.

‘I mean I didn’t fall out, they didn’t have to get a stretcher or oxygen or anything, so I guess I’m doing pretty good.’