Brittney Griner Speaks Out on 'New Role' After Changing Teams

Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Brittney Griner Speaks Out on 'New Role' After Changing Teams

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated May 5, 2026 11:16 AM ET

WNBA star Brittney Griner played just one season for the Atlanta Dream, recording career-lows 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. She also saw a decrease in her role and playing time, averaging just 20.8 minutes in 39 games and making only 25 starts.

After the 2025 season, Griner decided to leave Atlanta and joined the Connecticut Sun. She reportedly signed a one-year deal, although the terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Griner started for the Sun in their two preseason games. In their showdown with the New York Liberty on Sunday, she tallied 16 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 21 minutes of action.

Former Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner (42) looks on during a game.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While it looks like Griner is on track for a better season compared to 2025, the WNBA veteran admitted that she's adjusting to her new role with the team.

Griner is the most-experienced player on the Sun roster, having already played 12 seasons in the pros. With that being said, the 35-year-old center stated that taking on a veteran role has been the biggest adjustment for her.

"The biggest adjustment for me is stepping into that veteran role, just being so vocal," Griner said when asked about the major adjustment she had to make as she stepped into a new team environment.

"I'm just used to just talking on the side, you know, with players and not demanding the floor and speaking. But I'm doing it, and I'm loving it and I'm just embracing it now."

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When the Sun signed Griner, general manager Morgan Tuck said that part of the reason they brought her in was because of her "leadership, resilience and the way she connects with her teammates and fans."

Tuck said that those traits "bring immeasurable value to our franchise," which can help "elevate" the organization.

While it's been an adjustment for Griner, it's clear that she's fully embracing her new role.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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