Brittney Griner Calls for Inclusion in ESPN’s GOAT List, Citing Olympic Gold Medal Legacy
In the ever-evolving debate over the greatest basketball players of all time, WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has made a bold statement:
She believes she deserves a spot on ESPN’s GOAT list. The 6-foot-9 center, known for her dominant presence on the court and an impressive career spanning more than a decade, argues that her contributions to Team USA’s Olympic success solidify her place among basketball’s all-time elite.
Griner, a two-time WNBA champion, eight-time All-Star, and former WNBA scoring leader, has played a pivotal role in securing three consecutive Olympic gold medals for the United States women’s basketball team.
With an exceptional record of international dominance, she asserts that her impact on the sport is undeniable.
“I’m the one who brought the U.S. team to win the Olympic gold medal three times in a row over 12 years,” Griner said in a recent interview. “I deserve to be on the GOAT list.”
Brittney Griner’s Legacy in Women’s Basketball
Griner’s assertion is not without merit. Since her collegiate days at Baylor University, where she led the Lady Bears to a 40-0 season and an NCAA championship in 2012, she has been a force to be reckoned with.
She entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Phoenix Mercury and quickly established herself as one of the most dominant centers in the league’s history.
Her international success with Team USA has further cemented her status. Griner played a crucial role in the U.S. women’s basketball team’s gold medal victories at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Throughout these tournaments, her contributions on both ends of the floor—scoring in the paint, rebounding, and shot-blocking—helped the U.S. maintain its reign as the dominant force in women’s basketball.
The GOAT Debate: Where Does Griner Stand?
The conversation about the greatest basketball players of all time is often dominated by NBA legends such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant.
In the realm of women’s basketball, names like Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, and Maya Moore frequently emerge.
However, Griner believes her legacy should place her in this elite company.
Statistics support her case. Over her WNBA career, she has averaged impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks per game.
Her defensive prowess, combined with her offensive versatility, makes her one of the most well-rounded players in the history of women’s basketball.
Olympic Dominance: A Hallmark of Greatness
Few athletes have the distinction of being a cornerstone of a national team for over a decade.
Griner’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage—the Olympics—sets her apart from many of her peers.
Winning three consecutive gold medals is a feat that only a handful of basketball players, male or female, have achieved.
Olympic success has often been a significant factor in defining a player’s legacy. Legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant enhanced their GOAT credentials through their performances on Team USA.
Similarly, women’s basketball icons such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird are revered for their contributions to multiple gold medal-winning squads. Griner believes she belongs in the same conversation.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite her remarkable achievements, Griner’s career has not been without challenges.
She has faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly following her detainment in Russia in 2022, which kept her away from professional basketball for nearly a year.
Her return to the WNBA was met with overwhelming support, as fans and fellow athletes rallied behind her.
The adversity she has overcome only adds to her story. Many of the greatest athletes in history have faced obstacles, and their ability to rise above them has further solidified their legacies.
Griner’s resilience and determination to continue performing at an elite level after a tumultuous period in her life underscore her greatness.
Public and Expert Opinions
The debate over Griner’s place in the GOAT conversation has sparked reactions from fans, analysts, and fellow athletes.
Some agree with her assessment, pointing to her dominance in international play and her accolades in the WNBA.
Others argue that she has yet to surpass the achievements of pioneers like Lisa Leslie or Diana Taurasi, who have set numerous records and left an indelible mark on the game.
ESPN’s GOAT lists have traditionally leaned heavily toward NBA players, with only a handful of WNBA or international players making the cut.
Critics argue that women’s basketball does not receive the same level of recognition as the men’s game, leading to underrepresentation in all-time rankings.
Griner’s call for inclusion highlights this disparity and raises questions about how greatness is defined in basketball.
Conclusion: Does Brittney Griner Belong on the GOAT List?
Brittney Griner’s case for inclusion in the GOAT conversation is compelling.
With an Olympic resume that few can match, a decorated WNBA career, and a lasting impact on the game, she has made an undeniable mark in basketball history.
However, the GOAT debate is inherently subjective. It is shaped by individual preferences, statistical achievements, and cultural impact.
While some may argue that Griner has more to prove before securing a spot on the GOAT list, others see her as a trailblazer who has already earned her place among basketball’s legends.
As discussions about basketball’s greatest players continue, Griner’s name will undoubtedly remain a topic of conversation.
Whether or not she lands on ESPN’s GOAT list, her contributions to the sport are undeniable—and her legacy is still being written.