Candace Parker #three of the Las Vegas Aces is pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker introduced her retirement on Sunday.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
cover caption
toggle caption
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Candace Parker #three of the Las Vegas Aces is pictured at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 1, 2023 in Las Vegas. Parker introduced her retirement on Sunday.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Candace Parker — a three-time WNBA champion, two-time league MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist — has introduced she’s retiring from basketball after 16 seasons.
In a post on Instagram, Parker stated, “I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it’s time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it.”
The 38-year-old had a foot damage that sidelined her final season. She’d hoped to return to the Las Vegas Aces this upcoming yr to attempt to win one other title.
“This offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating. It’s no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it’s no fun knowing what you could do, if only…it’s no fun hearing ‘she isn’t the same’ when I know why, it’s no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN.”
Parker performed her first 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks — and, in 2008, was the primary in WNBA historical past to be named Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the identical season. She was named MVP once more in 2013. She received titles with the Sparks, Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces. She’s the one participant in league historical past to win championships with three groups.
Parker received two NCAA titles whereas enjoying for famed collegiate coach Pat Summitt on the University of Tennessee. As a freshman in 2006, Parker turned the primary girl to slam dunk in an NCAA match sport.
She helped Team USA win Olympic gold medals on the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and on the London Games in 2012.
“Your place in sports history is cemented,” stated sports activities journalist Jemele Hill. “While I’m going to miss seeing you on the court, what you’ve done for the game is a big reason the game is as healthy as it is.”
Moments after Parker made the announcement, the Las Vegas Aces posted a tribute video for the WNBA star.
Blessed to have competed in opposition to you.
Blessed to have had you in an Aces uniform.
And most of all, blessed to have witnessed your greatness.“There’s only one Candace Parker. One of one.” — Becky Hammon
Thank you, Cand𝗮𝗰𝗲. pic.twitter.com/Ck0p3imLJM
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) April 28, 2024
Parker says she’ll proceed to work in broadcasting and in the future hopes to personal each an NBA and WNBA group.