Another great one, ever.
Candace Parker officially announced on Sunday that she is retiring from the show after more than a decade. Parker is arguably one of the most influential, and iconic, players in the history of women's basketball.
A champion and seven-time WNBA All-Star, Parker is also a mentor, mother and inspiration to many. As we celebrate CP3's legacy, here's a look back at some of the most iconic moments throughout his career:
FIRST WOMAN TO EAT AT A COLLEGE GAME
Parker set the tone from the jump. Back in '06 as a freshman at Tennessee, she challenged the notion that women can't play and showed the world that she could by becoming the first woman ever to make it to the NCAA tournament.
SUPERIOR GOVERNMENT IN TENNESSEE
Playing for the late and great-grandfather Pat Summitt, Parker dominated during his time with the Volunteers. His college CV includes:
- Winning '06 SEC Rookie of the Year.
- Became the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points.
- Winning '07 SEC Player of the Year.
- Leading the Lady Vols to back-to-back national championships.
- Averaged 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.
ARRIVAL
Just one day after leading the Lady Vols to another NCAA national championship, the Los Angeles Sparks drafted Candace Parker as the No. 1 pick in the '08 draft. Actually, that was just the beginning for Parker, who would work with Lisa Leslie.
ROOKIE REIGN
In her WNBA debut against the Phoenix Mercury, Parker dropped 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists—breaking Cynthia Cooper's previous rookie debut record.
His dominance and skills were undeniable. Parker became the first WNBA player to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same year. She was pregnant with her oldest daughter at the end of the season.
“I was actually pregnant [Lailaa] at the end of the year, my rookie year,” Candace told WSLAM on the cover of SLAM 233. “I accepted the MVP and Rookie of the Year trophy with my daughter and from there it was just a journey for us.”
2016 CHIP
During the season dedicated to Summitt, Parker showed up and showed up in the 2016 season. After defeating the Chicago Sky, 3-1, they advanced to the Finals for the first time since '03 and defeated the Lynx and brought the franchise's third title back to LA. Parker was named Finals MVP.
“I remember a lot about that series. Just the grind, the focus, the energy it took to get through that series,” the 2016 Finals MVP told WSLAM. “I think it also speaks to my innocence, because in 2008, we had a chance to go to the finals and lost by a shot at the last second. I had many baskets roll off the edge. And I think that seeing that, like, we've been successful in giving back…And everybody after that is telling us that we're the best thing that's ever happened in one second. I think it speaks to how you have to stay on course.”
BACK TO CHI
It was a free announcement that shocked the world. After a stellar career in LA, Parker announced he was taking his talents to the Chi's, a decision that was as much about his family and life off the court as it was about his career.
“I believe most things come full circle,” Parker said. “I think that over time I realized how important people are in my work. When I go home, I mean, my dad fixed my blinds one day, we went to his house on Father's Day, my mom cooks for me before the game, picks up my daughter all the time. My dad brings my daughter donuts sometimes, like, I can't go see my grandma. I really respect the time I left home because I needed it. I needed to settle down in my home and get away from that, but to come back, who I am now, to really appreciate you.”
In our SLAM 233 cover story, CP3 opened up about his decision to join Sky, returning home to Chicago and more.
2021 CHIP
History. Not only was Parker instrumental in helping lead the Sky to the 2021 WNBA championship, the franchise's first, but she became known for her leadership—in a SLAM 236 cover story, even teammate Kahleah Copper praised her (read here).
IN VEGAS
But again, Parker's decision to take his talents elsewhere, this time to Vegas, centered around family. Despite his injury, Parker's presence added to the Aces' roster of stars as the team went on to win the franchise's second title.
THANK YOU, CANDACE!
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