3-time WNBA Champion, two-time league MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker introduced on Sunday that she’s retiring next 16 years.
Parker spent maximum of her occupation with the Los Angeles Sparks and performed maximum lately with the Las Vegas Aces, the place she began the primary 18 video games of the date. Parker, who suffered an trauma to her footing utmost date, mentioned the “offseason hasn’t been fun on a foot that isn’t cooperating.”
“I promised I’d never cheat the game & that I’d leave it in a better place than I came into it,” Parker mentioned in a social media put up. “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.”
Parker used to be the Negative. 1 select within the 2008 WNBA Draft. She went directly to develop into the primary participant in league historical past to win a championship with 3 other groups. She’s additionally the one participant in WNBA historical past to win each MVP and Rookie of the Month in the similar season
Parker mentioned she isn’t escape the arena of basketball. She plans to possess each an NBA and WNBA group, Parker mentioned in an Instagram put up. She’s additionally having a look into non-public fairness, broadcasting, manufacturing, seashore volleyball and dominoes “with the same intensity & focus I did basketball.”
“No matter how you prepare for it, you won’t be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul,” she mentioned of retiring. “Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I’ll be back loving the game differently in a while.”
She’s already reached the arena of broadcasting, having labored as an analyst and commentator for NBA on TNT since 2019. She additionally served as an analyst and commentator for NBA TV and NCAA Match protection on CBS Sports activities.
The WNBA mentioned Parker used to be “leaving the game better than she found it.” She used to be additionally congratulated and thanked via the Aces.Â
“The memories Candace Parker created for a generation of women’s basketball fans will remain ingrained in our collective conscience forever, but she has given so much more to the game beyond her accolades and statistics,” the Aces mentioned in a observation. “As a teammate and mentor, a mother and wife, a baller, broadcaster, and businesswoman she has inspired countless young people, both boys and girls, to chase and achieve their dreams.”