The league is doing everything it can to bring the player home, according to the commissioner. (1:41)
While the star center remains on their minds, they also know they have to move on with their preparation for the upcoming season.
It is difficult. The Mercury are concerned about her and are praying that she comes home quickly.
Russian authorities said a search of her luggage at the Moscow airport revealed a device containing oil from cannabis, which could lead to a 10-year prison sentence. Russian media reported in March that Griner's confinement has been extended.
The 26th season of the WNBA starts May 6.
We feel confident that everything is being done to make sure that she can get back as quickly as possible, that everybody is working behind the scenes to make that happen, and I wake up sometimes worried about that. All we can do is keep doing what we are doing.
SandyBrondello was let go by the team in December after eight seasons and was later hired to coach the New York Liberty. The Phoenix Mercury fell in the best-of-five series to the Chicago Sky in the last year of the league.
The way the year ended last year is still fresh in the minds of Mercury players. It is good to have that in the back of your mind. There is a lot of excitement in the building.
The Mercury's top pick in 2004, Diana Taurasi, has long been praised by the No. 1 draft pick in the same year as her. The less publicity given her situation, the better the outcome might be in Russia.
The situation is very delicate, and I know the way things work in Russia.
It is a dangerous world everywhere you go. It might change the perspective of some players. People will have to make that choice.
We have to keep praying for her. We hope she is doing well. All we know is that. As much as we do, you guys know it. No one wants to be in her situation, we miss her so much.
Tina Charles was the second-leading scorer in the league last year with 24.3 points per game. Charles came to Phoenix as a free agent and now will have an even bigger role than expected.
Charles was the top pick in the 2010 draft.
I have known Tina for a long time, we played overseas together. She can stretch the defense in the post, which is something we haven't had before. I am excited to be on the court with her and get that synergy going.
She said she is still excited about her job, despite her decision to return this season at 40.
She said that she tries to prepare herself the best way during the off season. I like to play basketball. The work you have to put in gets harder as you get older.
The Mercury are prepared for it, even though they won't have Griner.
It isn't like we found out yesterday, and as a staff we have adjusted to that. Her safe return is what we are focused on.
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