If Candice Parker could put music on her Jersey retirement ceremony, it would be a remix of “I did it” and Frank Sinatra’s hit Jay-Z.
Parker’s No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks jersey was raised on the rafters at crypto.com arena during Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky.
After winning the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft for Tennessee, Parker spent 13 of his 16 seasons in LA, winning the championship in 2016 with Sparks, who was the MVP of the WNBA Finals. She added the title to her final season with Hometown Sky in 2021 and Las Vegas Ace in 2023.
Parker, 39, is the third spark spray player to retire from Jersey, joining Hall of Fames Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11).
The 5th All-Star has always had big dreams.
“I represent coming from a family who said they can and can do anything and I’m really proud of that child,” Parker said. “I think I’ll do things exactly the same because I’m sitting here. I made a mistake and took two steps forward, but I was always moving forward.”
Parker, who was dressed in orange from college, walked to court during his first timeout and received a standing ovation. Fans are given a yellow jersey with the words “That’s Our Ace” written on it, with number 3 being incorporated into the design.
This was the first of Parker’s Jersey Retirement Ceremony. Chicago will retire from her jersey later this summer.
“When it was drafted here, it became a home,” Parker said. “I’ve lived here for longer than anywhere else. My 13 years have been so special, so seeing this jersey on the rafters is very important. It was UPS, down, victory, heartache, reward, but sharing the organisation and teammates and coaches that bet on me in the first pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft is very special.”
Parker and fans watched tribute videos from celebrities, including former Lakers player, Sparks coach Michael Cooper and Sparks owner Magic Johnson.
Leslie, who played with Parker at the end of her career, introduced Parker at the halftime ceremony and was as emotional as Parker said.
“No. 3 is hanging from the rafters because no one else can do what Candice Parker did for La Sparks,” Leslie told the crowd.
In Johnson’s tribute video, he said Jersey’s retirement was the ultimate honor.
Candace Parker’s “Can-Do” mentality embraces her throughout her legendary career, and through her new book, she wants to inspire all readers to see herself in her story.
“It means you’re a super, super, superstar at a basketball game. “It’s a special moment and it’s going to be a great way to tell yourself, ‘Looking at me, I’ve really arrived.'”
Parker was caught between his family for the ceremony and was Sparks’ two WNBA MVPs in 2008 and 2013. She is the leader with 1,331 career assists for the franchise and is second in rebounds and points. She averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists with 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steel.
During her second season, Parker gave birth to a daughter. She returned to practice a few weeks later, and now 16-year-old Laila Williams was welcomed with Parker’s practice and games throughout the year in LA.
“Candace Parker’s impact on the WNBA is immeasurable. From the moment she stepped into court as a rookie to the moment she won both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, she constantly redefines greatness.
“Beyond her admiration, Candice was a leader, mentor and pioneer. Her skills, resilience and passion for the game inspired the next generation of athletes. She used her platform to enhance women’s sport and left a lasting legacy that transcends the courts.”
Angel Reese, one of Parker’s successors as the face of the league, had 24 points and 16 rebounds to win the sky 92-85 against Sparks.
Parker, who also has two young sons, has had a broadcasting station and writer since the end of her performance career. Her book, “The Can Do Mindset: How to cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, Fight for Your Passion,” was published this month.
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