Parker, 38, told The Associated Press in November that he was off the court last season with a foot injury but would like to play another season if he is healthy. But she warned that she had no intention of “cheating the game” either on her own or on her own, and she echoed similar sentiments in announcing her retirement before aiming for a third straight Ace title. expressed. Parker has undergone 10 surgeries during his career.
“I made a promise to never cheat on the game and to leave the game in better shape than when I started. “I always want to leave the court in private, just with the people I love, without parades or tours. I thought so,” she wrote. Join her on the journey I've just begun. ”
Parker played his first 13 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Sparks, establishing his dominance early on as a No. 1 pick, winning Rookie of the Year and league MVP in the same season. Parker is the only WNBA player to accomplish that feat, averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while helping the Sparks improve by 10 games in 2008.
Parker won his second MVP award in 2013 and his first title with the Sparks in 2016. She won her second title with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and her third title with the Las Vegas Aces last season.
“It's tough and it's bittersweet for myself because I wanted to be with her this year. On the other hand, I'm not sure what it's going to feel like when the time comes, when the time comes.” It's not what your head or your heart is saying. It's your body,” said ace coach Becky Hammon. “She changed the game. She changed what it meant to be a position player in basketball. She played every position. When you talk about guys who are playing now and guys who are coming up. , they were the ones practicing Candace Parker's moves.
She is the only player in league history to win championships with three different teams.
“The memories Candice Parker created for generations of women's basketball fans will forever remain etched deep in our collective conscience, but she was remembered for so much more than accolades and statistics. He gave to this game,” the Aces said in a statement. “As a teammate, coach, mother, wife, baseball player, broadcaster, and businesswoman, she inspired countless young people, boys and girls, to pursue and achieve their dreams. I have done so.”
Parker played on the late Pat Summitt's final two national championship teams at the University of Tennessee in 2007 and 2008, before leaving with one year of eligibility remaining.
She won Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, but was shockingly left out of the team in 2016.
“Obviously I think Candace has had a great career,” Liberty star Brianna Stewart said. “This is a little sad because you love playing against a legend like her. What he accomplished was great for our league.” I appreciate everything she has done to help me get to this point. I'm definitely going to miss her this season. ”
Liberty coach Sandy Brondello coached Parker overseas in Russia for several winters.
“She's a trailblazer. She's just a great human being and I hope she's celebrated for what she's done for this sport,” Brondello said. I respect her very much. When I was coaching in Russia, the kids grew up together. It's kind of sad. Everyone knows it's the right time. ”
Parker began working in broadcasting during his playing career. She has worked as an analyst for CBS Sports' NCAA Tournament and NBA TV.
She had foot surgery in July 2023 and told The Associated Press late last year that she was still in pain.
“This offseason has been uncooperative and not fun,” she wrote in a post Sunday. “My mission in life is, as Pat Summitt always said, 'If you follow your people and your passion, you'll never fail.' Being a wife and mother remains my top priority. , I've learned that time passes quickly, so I'm going to enjoy my family to the fullest!”
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AP Sports Writer Ryan Kryska in Hoboken, New Jersey contributed to this report.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
