WNBA's Brittney Griner says she was 'a little shocked' she played well enough to make the All-Star team

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In February, Brittney Griner officially re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury after missing the entire 2022 WNBA season due to a 10-month detainment in Russia. 

Griner likely did not know what to expect once this season began after she had been away from basketball for so long. She has had a strong season so far and was named a WNBA All-Star starter, averaging 19.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots for the Mercury.

Ahead of Saturday's All-Star Game, Griner revealed that her level of play was a pleasant surprise.

"I just wanted to get out there and try my best not to get hurt, give it the best I’ve got," Griner said. "I was a little shocked, actually, how it was once I got on the court, so I’m happy with it."

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Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner speaks about recent events, her struggling team and its new interim head coach during a news conference in Phoenix on June 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Griner also acknowledge that she faced an uphill battle when she returned to basketball, but credited hard work and determination with putting her in a position to play the game at a high level.

"It was definitely a tough road. A lot of long, hard hours in the gym and in the weight room to get back into it," she said.

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Griner was arrested Feb. 17, 2022, on drug charges at an airport near Moscow. She was released Dec. 8 after the U.S. government agreed to a prisoner swap.

The WNBA kept Griner top of mind while she was being held in Russia, putting her initials and jersey number on each court. She