WNBA's 'Top Priority' Is to Get Brittney Griner Home from Russia, Commissioner Says

The NBA draft got underway Monday night, but not before the NBA commissioner expressed concern and offered her support for Phoenix Mercury player,Brittney Griner.

According to Mechelle Voepel of ESPN, Engelbert said that.

"This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in. She continues to have our full support. Certainly, we're trying everything we can, every angle, working with her legal representation, her agent, elected leaders, the administration. Just everybody in our ecosystem to try and find ways to get her home safely and as quickly as we can."

The league wants to get her home, which she noted was the league's top priority in her opening comments.

We are following the advice, but we are not talking to someone who has views on what we are doing.

I know we are all frustrated, but we need to be patient. The players have been great at following the advice they are given and we are trying to keep her safe.

The Russian Federal Customs Service found cannabis oil in her luggage after detaining her at a Moscow airport. She could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if convicted.

The Russian Women's Basketball Premier League is where she plays for UMMC Ekaterinburg. The league took a two week break in February to prepare for the World Cup qualification games.

The Mercury selected her first overall in the draft. She earned seven All-Star selections in nine seasons and has gone on to have a successful career.

It is not known when Griner will return to the United States. The Mercury could be without a team in May. According to Holly Rowe, Phoenix is expected to get some roster relief from the league.