WNBA Mercury C Brittney Griner has “generated large-scale excitement that will require the Mercury to strike a delicate balance: using the rookie to promote the league’s fan base without putting too heavy a demand on her broad shoulders,” according to Paola Boivin of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. The Mercury are “proudly promoting their young star,” as a 77-foot banner of Griner “dunking hangs on the east side of Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix until June 10.” The team also has “put together a customized ‘Griner Ticket Pack’ that will allow fans to attend three of the team’s first four games at a discounted price and receive an autographed Griner photo.” Mercury President & COO Amber Cox said, “It speaks to Brittney’s star power and not unlike what Bird and Magic did for the NBA when they joined the league.” Boivin notes the Mercury are in “six of the 14 regular-season games carried by ESPN and ABC.” But the team “must tread carefully.” Putting Griner “out there is one thing,” but “exhausting her is another.” Mercury coach Corey Gaines said, “It’s our responsibility (to keep an eye out for her), but it’s also our responsibility to help the league. And it’s not just Phoenix, it’s not just the WNBA; it’s the world now. The world wants to know about her.” WNBA President Laurel Richie said, “She has an amazing personality. She is funny. She has causes she is passionate about. She has an incredible breadth of interests: skating, kayaking, fishing. Every time I turn around I feel like I’m missing one of her hobbies” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/13).
