Candace Parker has retired.
One of the greatest and most influential basketball players ever called it quits after 16 seasons in the WNBA, just before her last team, the Las Vegas Aces, began 2024 training camp on April 28.
“Although the majority of her career was played in opposing uniforms, we were blessed to have her as part of our championship team a year ago,” the Aces released in an official statement. “We are saddened that she won’t be a part of our three-peat aspirations, but we look forward to welcoming Candace back to Las Vegas as an Aces alum, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter in her life has to offer.”
Las Vegas brought in a competitive group for the preseason, and only 11-12 players will make the final regular-season roster. Among those competing for a spot is Angel Jackson, the rookie forward from Jackson State, becoming the second player in 20 years to get drafted to the WNBA from an HBCU.
On the court, Parker has won three WNBA championships on each of the teams she’s played for in her career: the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago Sky and the Aces. Her dominance became apparent in 2008 when she won her second consecutive national championship and became the Number 1 pick in the WNBA Draft before winning the league’s MVP and Rookie of the Year honors.
She also became the second player in league history to dunk in a game.
It was later revealed Parker played that historic season while pregnant with her first child, Lailaa. The child’s father is her ex-husband, Duke legend and former NBA forward Shelden Williams.
Parker became a legend from a young age when she won the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Dunk Contest against JR Smith, Rudy Gay and Josh Smith.
One of her more iconic moments in college was when she dunked against UConn before blocking a shot, grabbing her own rebound, bringing the ball up the floor and throwing a no-look pass for an assist.
She was also the first women’s basketball player to ever dunk in an NCAA Tournament game. The moment came in 2006 when she dunked twice against Army.
Beyond the dunks, Parker was also the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, a two-time MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist and the last Black WNBA player who had a signature shoe, thanks to Adidas. Parker was not only one of the best players on the court, but she also had the look that made her an instant fan favorite and a figure for young boys and girls to look up to growing up.
From teens with hoop dreams 😂🏀to legends ! Congrats on a legendary career 🙏🏾 @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/xoJb2bjKFM
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 28, 2024
Many current WNBA stars, like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, looked up to Parker as their favorite player growing up.
My GOAT🤩 such an incredible career and glad I was able to get the experience of playing against you!! Thank you for being the ultimate role model 🥹@Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/hXiNpOqAi1
— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) April 28, 2024
Shoutout to a legend. Thank you for all you gave to the game 🫡👏🏾🤩 league won’t be the same without you!! pic.twitter.com/alK7i8kTvM
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) April 28, 2024
Thank you, Candace. pic.twitter.com/fST3T3DG5Q
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) April 29, 2024
My GOAT @Candace_Parker 🐐
Enjoy your retirement! Your impact on the game will last forever 🫡 pic.twitter.com/CqHAnDzVIy
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 28, 2024
A person who I love and respect, a champion both at the collegiate and professional level, is retiring from the game – @Candace_Parker!
You said that you wanted to leave the game better than when you entered it – and your time at Tennessee, and 16 years in the league, have been… pic.twitter.com/8ZWXB87Q0M
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 28, 2024
