Griner’s absence, Hammon’s return headline WNBA’s new season


              FILE - Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles (34) shoots over Washington Mystics center Tina Charles (31) in the first quarter of a WNBA basketball game on Sept. 4, 2021, in Minneapolis. The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with many fascinating storylines including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.  (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File0
            
              FILE- San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon directs players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, on Nov. 12, 2021, in San Antonio.  The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with many fascinating storylines including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
            
              FILE - Seattle Storm guard Sue Bird (10) brings the ball upcourt during the first half of the Commissioner's Cup WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 12, 2021, in Phoenix.  The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with many fascinating storylines including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.  (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
            
              FILE - Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner watches during WNBA basketball practice on May 10, 2018, in Phoenix.  The WNBA will begin its 26th season this weekend with many fascinating storylines including the potential retirement of Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles, the return of Becky Hammon as a coach and the absence of Brittney Griner.  (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
Griner’s absence, Hammon’s return headline WNBA’s new season