One of the greatest ever.
Candace Parker officially announced on Sunday that he would be retiring from the game after more than a decade. Parker is 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 a mentor, mother and inspiration for many. As we celebrate the legacy of CP3, let’s look back at some of the legendary moments throughout her career.
The first woman to dunk in a college game
The hoodie sets the tone from the jump. As a Tennessee freshman in 2006, she ignored the notion that women can’t dunk and showed what the world can do by becoming the first woman to dunk in the NCAA tournament.
Complete domination in Tennessee
Parker, who played at the recent Great Put Summit, took control, appealing to volunteers. Her university resume includes:
- Wins the ’06 Sec Rookie of the Year.
- Being the fastest player in Lady Vols history has earned 1,000 career points.
- ’07 SEC Player of the Year.
- He led the Lady Vols to consecutive national championships.
- Average 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steel, and 2.4 blocks per game.
arrival
Just a day after leading the Lady Vols to yet another NCAA National Championship, the Los Angeles Sparks drafted Candace Parker as the No. 1 overall pick in the ’08 draft. Really, it was just the beginning of Parker, who ended up teaming up with Lisa Leslie.
The reign of the rookie
In his WNBA debut against Phoenix Mercury, Parker dropped 34 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in his debut game, breaking Cynthia Cooper’s previous rookie record.
Her superiority and skill set could not be denied. Parker became the first WNBA player to win both Rookie of the Year and the most valuable player in the same year. She was also pregnant with her eldest son at the end of the season.
“I was actually pregnant with (Leila) in the end of the year, my newcomer year,” Candice told WSLAM about the cover of Slam 233.
2016′ Chip
During the season dedicated to the summit, Parker appeared during the 2016 season. After beating Chicago’s skies 3-1, they made it to the finals for the first time since 2003, beating the Lynx and returning the franchise’s third title to LA. Parker was selected as the final MVP.
“I remember a lot about that series. It’s just the grind, the focus, the energy needed to get through that series,” the 2016 Final MVP told WSLAM. “I had the opportunity to go to the Finals in 2008 and lost the final two-second shot, so I think it speaks to my innocence as well. I had a lot of baskets rolling the rims.
I’m back to Kai
What shocked the world was the announcement of free agency. After a illustrious career in LA, Parker announced that she was taking her talent to Chi.
“I think a lot of things will go around,” Parker said. “I think I realized how important it is to my career. I’ve come home. I mean, my dad fixed my blinds. I went to his house for Father’s Day. My mother cooks my daughter and I’m going to pick her up. Dad brings doughnuts for my daughter. I run away from my house and from it, but come back to really appreciate who I am now.”
In the cover story of Slam 233, CP3 was opened up about her decision to join Sky and returned to Chicago and elsewhere.
2021′ Chip
history. Parker not only played a key role in helping lead the sky to the franchise’s first 2021 WNBA Championship, but she was renowned for her leadership.Please read here).
To Las Vegas
Again, Parker’s decision to take her talent elsewhere to Vegas this time was family-centric. Despite the injuries, Parker’s presence was added to the ace’s star studs roster as the team continued to win the second title as the franchise.
Thank you, Candice!
