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Candace Parker is a former professional basketball player who played in the WNBA for 13 seasons. She was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Naperville, Illinois. Parker began her basketball career at Naperville Central High School, where she led her team to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004. She then played for the University of Tennessee from 2004 to 2008, winning consecutive NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008. Parker was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft and played for them for 13 seasons before joining the Chicago Sky and later the Las Vegas Aces. She won two WNBA championships, one with the Sparks in 2016 and another with the Sky in 2021. Parker also represented the US women's basketball team at the Olympics, winning gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
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What You'll Learn
- Candace Parker's career in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) spanned 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, two with the Chicago Sky, and one with the Las Vegas Aces
- Parker was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks
- She won two WNBA championships, her first in 2016 with the Sparks and her second in 2021 with the Sky
- Parker is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, having represented the US women's basketball team at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games
- In addition to her WNBA career, Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian league during each WNBA off-season from 2010 to 2015, winning five consecutive championships
Candace Parker's career in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) spanned 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, two with the Chicago Sky, and one with the Las Vegas Aces
Candace Parker is widely regarded as one of the greatest Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) players of all time. She was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she played for 13 seasons. During her time with the Sparks, Parker averaged 19.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. She led her team to the playoffs 6 times and won a championship with them.
In 2021, Parker left the Sparks and signed a 2-year deal with the Chicago Sky, allowing her to play closer to her hometown of Naperville, Illinois. During her first season with the Sky, she was named to The W25, a list of the 25 most outstanding players in the league's 25-year history. In her second season with the Sky, Parker helped the team win their first championship title.
Parker then signed with the Las Vegas Aces in February 2023. Despite undergoing surgery for a foot fracture in July, she returned to the court and won her third championship as the Aces defeated the New York Liberty in the 2023 WNBA Finals. Parker re-signed with the Aces for the 2024 season but announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024.
Over her illustrious 16-year career in the WNBA, Parker won numerous accolades, including two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards (2008, 2013), a WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award (2013), and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012). She was also the first player in WNBA history to win both the Rookie of the Year Award and the MVP Award in the same season (2008).
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Parker was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks
Candace Nicole Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American former professional basketball player. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time.
Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. This was a significant moment in Parker's career, as it marked her transition from college basketball to the professional league. The Los Angeles Sparks had received the first overall selection right in the 2008 draft through a lottery held on October 23, 2007. Parker's selection by the Sparks was a strategic move, as they aimed to strengthen their team and improve their previous season's performance.
Parker's journey to becoming the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft began during her high school and college basketball career. She attended Naperville Central High School in Illinois, where she excelled in basketball, leading her team to Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004. Her outstanding performance continued at the University of Tennessee, where she played college basketball. In 2007 and 2008, Parker led the Tennessee team to two consecutive national championships. Her exceptional skills and leadership on the court earned her recognition and a prominent position in the upcoming WNBA draft.
On April 8, 2008, Parker led the Lady Vols to their second straight NCAA women's title, showcasing her talent and potential. Just one day later, on April 9, 2008, Parker was officially selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. This decision was heavily influenced by Parker's impressive college career and her potential to make an impact in the professional league. By selecting Parker, the Sparks gained a versatile player who could excel in both forward and center positions.
Parker's selection as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft marked a new chapter in her basketball career. It was the beginning of her journey with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she would spend the next 13 seasons, contributing to the team's success and establishing herself as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
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She won two WNBA championships, her first in 2016 with the Sparks and her second in 2021 with the Sky
Candace Parker is one of the greatest WNBA players in history. She began her career in 2008 when she was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Parker played for the Sparks for 13 seasons and later joined the Chicago Sky for two seasons.
Parker won her first WNBA championship with the Sparks in 2016. The Sparks defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a five-game series, winning the series 3-2 and lifting the WNBA title. Parker was named the Finals MVP for her spectacular performance, averaging a team-high 17.2 points per game. This was the Sparks' first WNBA championship since 2003.
In 2021, Parker won her second WNBA championship with the Chicago Sky. This was the Sky's first-ever title. Parker's versatility and leadership were instrumental in the Sky's success, as she primarily played the forward and center positions.
Parker's achievements in the WNBA are complemented by her international success. She was a member of the U.S. women's Olympic basketball team in 2008 and 2012, winning gold medals at both the Beijing and London Olympics. Parker's all-around game and ability to play multiple positions have established her as one of the most decorated and versatile players in the history of the WNBA.
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Parker is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, having represented the US women's basketball team at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games
Candace Parker is a highly decorated American former professional basketball player. She is regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, having won numerous accolades, including two Olympic gold medals.
Parker represented the US Women's Basketball Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where the US team won gold. This was a landmark achievement for Parker, who had only recently graduated from college and was embarking on her professional career. In fact, Parker had announced in February 2008 that she would be forgoing her final season of eligibility at Tennessee to focus on the Olympics. Her decision paid off, as she not only won gold but also excelled in her debut WNBA season with the Los Angeles Sparks, who selected her as the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft.
The 2008 Olympics were a significant moment for Parker, as they provided her with the opportunity to compete on a global stage and showcase her talent. She was part of a formidable US team that dominated the competition and ultimately stood atop the podium. This experience not only enhanced her reputation as an elite player but also served as a springboard for her professional career.
Four years later, Parker once again represented the US at the 2012 London Olympics. This was her second consecutive Olympic appearance, demonstrating her consistency and enduring excellence in the sport. The US women's basketball team continued their dominance, and Parker played a pivotal role in their success. She led the team in rebounds and blocks throughout the tournament, showcasing her all-around ability and impact on both ends of the court. The US team ultimately defeated France in the gold medal game, securing their second consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Parker's achievements with the US women's basketball team are a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the sport. Her Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012 stand as defining moments in her illustrious career, solidifying her legacy as one of the all-time greats in women's basketball.
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In addition to her WNBA career, Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian league during each WNBA off-season from 2010 to 2015, winning five consecutive championships
Candace Parker is an American former professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time. In addition to her illustrious WNBA career, Parker played for UMMC Ekaterinburg of the Russian league during each WNBA off-season from 2010 to 2015, winning five consecutive championships with the team.
Parker's talent was evident from a young age. In high school, she won the 2003 and 2004 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year awards, becoming the only woman to receive a Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year award twice. She then went on to play college basketball for the University of Tennessee, leading the team to two consecutive national championships in 2007 and 2008.
In 2008, Parker was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, with whom she spent 13 seasons. During her time with the Sparks, Parker won two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards (in 2008 and 2013), a WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award (2013), and helped the team to a championship. Parker's versatility on the court, playing both forward and center positions, contributed to her success.
During the WNBA off-seasons from 2010 to 2015, Parker showcased her talent internationally with UMMC Ekaterinburg. Her time with the Russian team was highly successful, as she helped them secure five consecutive championships. Parker's performance in the WNBA and with UMMC Ekaterinburg solidified her reputation as one of the best players in the women's game.
Following her time with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker played for the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces, winning a championship with each team. In addition to her domestic success, Parker represented the USA at the Olympics, winning gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Parker's impact on the sport extends beyond her playing career, as she has served as an analyst and commentator for TNT Sports since 2018 and was named president of Adidas women's basketball following her retirement in the spring of 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
Candace Parker played basketball in high school for four years, leading her team to back-to-back state championships in 2003 and 2004.
Candace Parker played basketball in college for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols from 2004 to 2008, winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2007 and 2008.
Candace Parker played basketball professionally for 16 years, from 2008 to 2024. During this time, she played for the Los Angeles Sparks for 13 seasons, the Chicago Sky for two seasons, and the Las Vegas Aces for one season.
