DeWanna Bonner Urges Phoenix for Brittney Griner's Return

Brittney Griner's Legacy in Phoenix

Phoenix has always been a city that celebrates its stars. Whether it’s the return of Brittney Griner last year or DeWanna Bonner this season, the city shows its support with passionate energy. Griner’s comeback was met with loud chants from fans, and Bonner’s arrival was equally electrifying, with the crowd erupting even before she stepped onto the court. Now, as Griner prepares to return to the city for the first time in a different jersey, the energy surrounding her is still palpable.

Griner, a 6’9” center, hasn’t had the best season in Atlanta, but she doesn’t hold any grudges about how she left Phoenix. She said, “I wish I would’ve known way sooner, but hey, life happens.” Her time in Phoenix was legendary—winning the 2014 WNBA title, becoming the team’s all-time leader in blocks and rebounds, and anchoring one of the league’s most dominant defenses. Her impact on the franchise and the city is undeniable.

DeWanna Bonner, who played for the Indiana Fever, knows what it means to be part of Phoenix’s legacy. She expressed her excitement about Griner’s return, saying, “In this state, you can’t mention Phoenix without mentioning BG, what she’s done, she won championships here. She grew up here, literally got drafted here, and just became a great person to this community.”

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Griner’s connection to Phoenix goes far beyond her basketball achievements. From the moment she arrived in 2012, she became a symbol of the city. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular—she dunked twice in her first professional game, made the All-Star team that same year, and continued to dominate the league for years. But it wasn’t just her skills on the court that made her a legend; it was her heart off the court.

Griner noticed the struggles of homeless individuals in Arizona during her early years in Phoenix. She started by carrying shoes in her car, ready to help anyone in need. In 2016, she turned this small act into something much bigger by founding the BG’s Heart and Sole Shoe Drive. This initiative, supported by the Mercury organization and local partners like the Phoenix Rescue Mission, has helped nearly 2,000 people in the Valley. The drive continues annually, and Griner plans to re-engage with it when she returns to Phoenix.

Bonner, aware of the significance of this tradition, is making a call to action for fans: “And just to see her and everything she has going on, and she had a shoe drive going on. So bring your shoes, donate to BG’s shoe drive. So we’re excited to get her back here in Phoenix, we’re excited to see her. The fans around the court, and I’m sure that it’ll probably be emotional for her, but we’re excited to love her a little bit.”

A New Chapter, Same Legacy

Despite moving to the Atlanta Dream, Griner’s legacy in Phoenix remains unshakable. She spent 11 iconic seasons with the Mercury, and her departure shocked many. She admitted it was a tough decision, saying, “You’re leaving what you know, what I’ve known for my whole career. But there’s also the exciting factor of like, okay, this is a rebrand now, I get to show them something different.”

However, her performance this season has been below her usual standards. She’s averaging career lows in points (10.2), rebounds (5.7), and blocks (1.2) per game, which is a significant drop from her previous averages in Phoenix (17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 blocks). This decline led to her exclusion from the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, ending her streak of 10 consecutive selections.

The change in systems and roles in Atlanta has forced Griner to adapt. She’s no longer the centerpiece of the offense, and her touches have decreased. Additionally, her focus has shifted toward her family, especially her son, Bash, whom she describes as her “world.” She often shares photos and moments of their life together, showing the joy and balance she finds as a new mother.

Even with these changes, Griner remains an important figure for the Atlanta Dream, both as a leader and a player. While her performance may not match her past, her presence and influence are still felt. As she returns to Phoenix, the city will undoubtedly welcome her with open arms, celebrating the legacy she built and the impact she continues to make.