Posted by Mechelle Voepel
INDIANAPOLIS -- This season was supposed to be Yolanda Griffith's chance at one last championship, a perfect ending to her career.
Ron Hoskins/NBAE/Getty Images
On Sunday, Donna Orender presented both Yolanda Griffith and Vickie Johnson with frames celebrating their long WNBA careers.
Indiana coach Lin Dunn wanted Griffith playing for the Fever in 2009, especially to help in battling nemesis Detroit. Dunn thought Griffith's physical play and veteran experience could help the Fever get past the hurdle of the Shock.
But her storybook ending wasn't to be. On June 9, Griffith suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ending her season and also her competitive playing career. Before the injury, she had announced that this would be her final season.
Griffith, who turned 39 in March, was honored Sunday at Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, along with another veteran who is retiring, San Antonio's Vickie Johnson. In a ceremony at halftime, league president Donna Orender presented each with a large framed photo from her career.
VJ's picture was of her in her most recent Silver Stars uniform, despite the fact that she played twice as long in New York (nine seasons) as in San Antonio (four). But Griffith's picture was of her in a Sacramento uniform, celebrating with confetti coming down around her after the Monarchs' 2005 WNBA title.
Griffith spent nine years in Sacramento after coming over to the WNBA following the demise of the ABL. She played for Seattle last season before coming to Indiana for what was to be her send-off.
While WNBA fans will no doubt always think of her as a Monarch, she said she has enjoyed at least being around for what the Fever did this season, including finally defeating Detroit in the playoffs.
"I got hurt, but I'm still a part of the team," Griffith said in the Fever's locker room after Indiana's 86-85 victory over Phoenix. "I'm still supporting them and talking to my teammates about what needs to be done. They brought me in to help the team get to this position, and they're doing a great job. I'm excited for them."
And what comes next for Griffith?
"Coaching," she said. "I want to work at the WNBA or college level, whichever one I get an opportunity in. I am working with a high school in Sacramento right now, and I've got a lot of camps and am doing individual workouts. I'm starting up a small business, too."
In reflecting on her WNBA career, Griffith said, "I've been fortunate to be able to play with a great bunch of players. This wasn't how I wanted to end my career, but I'm with a very, very professional, great organization. They take care of you; no matter the good or the bad, they are very supportive. I'm thankful I was able to finish my career here in Indiana."
Women's Basketball
