Sophie Cunningham discusses impact of Brittney Griner’s return on Mercury

Sophie Cunningham and Shey Peddy are glad to have Brittney Griner back with the Phoenix Mercury.

“It is so amazing. Like it’s night and day, for real,” Cunningham said on Friday during a media call. “I know everyone is excited to see her on the court, but just to have her around the facilities. To get dinner, hang out at her house, play games. Just to have your sister and friend back with you, it feels amazing. 

“For me, I just want her to have so much fun and if she balls out, she balls out.”

🧵THREAD: @SheyP11 & @sophaller offseason pressers🏀

“To have your sister & friend back with you - it feels amazing.”

Shey Peddy & Sophie Cunningham discuss what it’s like having Brittney Griner back with the team on a daily basis.@Sports360AZ @Winsidr #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/XabvHzkwTp

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) March 11, 2023

She added that having Griner’s “jokes, her smile” and most of all “her love” in the locker room is the best part.

Peddy called it “strange, a little bit” to have Griner back and added that the team has had to bring her up to speed on how last season went down and what all has changed under head coach Vanessa Nygaard. 

“It’s a new system for her, some new coaches,” said Peddy. “She’s just a great overall human being. Just to see her smiling and happy after all that she’s went through is just the best part of everything.”