Brittney Griner: WNBA or NBA?

*Third FAN SUBMISSION by Charles Kruzits of Catonsville, MD.  Follow him on Twitter @Kruzindirty.*

Mark Cuban will never shy from voicing his opinion, usually resulting in fines from commissioner David Stern. Even though many felt it was an impossible statement to make, Cuban has even outdone himself with his most recent outlandish statement and he’s sticking by it. Brittney Griner, the 6’8 phenom who took the Baylor Bears to unthinkable heights in the women’s game, including a 40-0 record and National Championship in 2012, unwillingly finds herself in a debate of whether or not her talent could translate to success in the NBA.

Via ESPN.COM and reporter Tim MacMahon, Cuban said, “if she is the best on the board, I will take her;” referring to the upcoming 2013 draft.
Cuban went on to say, “she’d still have to make the team;” “I’m not going to carry her just to carry her. I don’t think, anyways. But I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to giving her the opportunity.” A man who’s not shy for marketing ploys sure understands the publicity that would generate if he was to select Griner, or add her to the Dallas Mavericks summer league roster.

The conundrum or the metaphoric basketball in this case, is in Griner’s court.
Would the most physically imposing women’s player dare try her craft in the men’s game?

Unfortunately for Griner, this isn’t a similar situation to Danica Patrick joining the Nascar ranks or Annika Sorenstam competing in the PGA.

Courtesy: CBS News

In a sport such as basketball, where physicality is embraced, it’s going to be a steep hill for the 207 pound Griner to hold her own. For example, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant was viewed as “too skinny” when he catapulted to the NBA after his freshman season at Texas University. Durant came into the pro ranks weighing around 215 pounds but as a shooting guard.

Griner, whose main position has been center, is outweighed by every single ‘big-man’ in the NBA by at least 40 pounds. Though her height might be astounding, it’s what she doesn’t possess that brings forth the most trouble. Could the undersized Griner make due despite the glaring disadvantage in the weight department while banging bodies with Kevin Love, Dwight Howard, and other post players that push 250 plus pounds?

Highly unlikely.

However, Griner’s confidence and brazen mentality could replicate the role that Jackie Robinson had society during the time he challenged the racial discrimination that existed during his time.  The main question: is it plausible that Cuban would follow through with his statement? Also, it’s important to consider whether or not the NBA would even permit Cuban and the Mavericks to draft and/or allow a female to participate in the summer league.

If the NBA gives their stamp of approval it’s a no-brainer that Griner will play at least one summer league game. It’s farfetched however to believe that Cuban would use a draft pick for Griner’s services. To sweeten the pot, if that’s possible at this point with the media frenzy that Cuban has unleashed, Griner has recently tweeted Cuban stating, “so when do I show up for tryouts!” The competitive spirit that Griner exhibits speaks wonders about her as an athlete and how confident she is in her ability.

Do I believe Griner will excel? No.

Will she compete? Yes, the word quit does not exist in her vocabulary.

If in fact Griner does step on the hardwood sporting a Mavericks pinney, it could rival the biggest events in the history of sports. Only time will tell though if the parties involved will make this happen. If they do, it will be a momentous occasion.  She could serve as a model of inspiration to all female athletes, of all ages. Young girls who pick up a basketball will not say Jordan, or Magic when hitting the make-believe game winner, instead, the name Griner will emit from their youthful lungs.