NEWSLETTER
Candace Parker has called it a career.
One of the best players in WNBA history, Parker announced via her Instagram on Sunday that she is retiring. The news comes in the same month as Parker’s 38th birthday and after her 16th season in the league. She spent her final full season in the WNBA with the Las Vegas Aces, appearing in 18 games and averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Unfortunately, Parker’s final season was cut short due to a foot injury that required surgery. But the good news is that she’ll still exit the league as a champ. The Aces made quick work of the New York Liberty to take home an NBA title this past season, giving Parker her third ring.
You can read her announcement here:
Parker will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Chicago sports fans. Not only did she first rise to fame as a standout high schooler in Naperville, but she returned to the city in 2021 to join the Chicago Sky. Parker would proceed to lead the franchise to their first-ever NBA championships, averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
Before that, she spent 13 seasons building her superstar career with the Los Angeles Sparks. Parker made five of her seven All-Star teams with the organization (the other two came with Chicago). This is also where she won her first ring in 2016.
As far as career resumes go, Parker’s stacks up against most …
Anyway, I’m sending a massive happy retirement Parker’s way! She was an utter joy to watch during her time in the pros, and I’m excited to see what else she has in store for us.
