Brittney Griner To Mark Cuban: When Do I Show Up?

Brittney Griner is jumping at the chance to become the first female player in the NBA, even if it is just in jest.

The dominating center from Baylor University has gotten some massive attention for her near-unstoppable offensive skills and her frequent dunks. Though her team was upset in the NCAA tournament and won’t repeat as champions, the ride is just starting for Griner.

As her collegiate career ends, the talk builds over whether Griner could actually make it in the NBA. Much of that has been fueled by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who said Griner could have a spot on the Mavs summer league team.

Mark Cuban even flirted with the idea of drafting Brittney Griner, saying:

“If she is the best on the board, I will take her … I’ve thought about it. I’ve thought about it already. Would I do it? Right now, I’d lean toward yes, just to see if she can do it.”

“You never know unless you give somebody a chance, and it’s not like the likelihood of any late-50s draft pick has a good chance of making it.”

On Wednesday Brittney Griner responded enthusiastically.

@mcuban so when do I show up for try-outs!!!

— Brittney Griner (@Brittney4Griner) April 3, 2013

Cuban makes it seem like more than a bid for more publicity, but in reality Brittney Griner would be a long shot to make an NBA roster. At 6-foot-8, she was a dominant center in the women’s game but would be undersized even for a forward in the NBA. It would take a complete retooling of her game even to begin a tryout.

Still, the fact that her name is being mentioned in serious conversation is a step forward for the women’s game and a boost to Brittney Griner. At the very least, she should be able to bring some new attention to the foundering WNBA.