Candace Parker is a former WNBA forward/center who currently works as an analyst and commentator for TNT and NBA TV. Before making waves in the NBA, Parker was a 2-time NCAA title winner with the University of Tennessee (2007 and 2008) and is also the first female dunker in women’s college basketball history. She was drafted in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks and is the first player in WNBA history to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player award in the same season.
Parker is a 2-time WNBA MVP (2008 and 2013) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA (2008 and 2012). Her best season, in terms of statistics, was with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 20.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. She has won 3 WNBA titles, one with each team she has played for throughout her career.
What teams has Candice Parker played for?
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks drafted Parker with the 1st pick of the WNBA 2008 draft, and her impact was immediate. In her rookie year, she averaged a solid 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, which won her the Rookie of the Year as well as the MVP award in the same season, a feat never seen before in the league. She scored 34 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, which broke the record for most points scored by a rookie in a debut performance.
In 2016, Parker finally won her first WNBA title with the Sparks and was the second scoring option next to Nneka Ogwumike. Together they led the Sparks to a 26-8 regular season record. They defeated the defending champions, Minnesota Lynx, wherein Parker put on a great performance which led to their victory and also won her the Finals MVP award.
Chicago Sky
In 2021, Parker became an unrestricted free agent and left the Sparks after 13 long seasons and went to the Chicago Sky. Parker was instrumental in getting the Sky the 6th seed in the Playoffs. They beat the Connecticut Suns in the Semifinals and later defeated the Phoenix Mercury to take home the 2021 WNBA Championship title, Parker’s second WNBA title.
Las Vegas Aces
Parker finally went to the Las Vegas Aces in the 2023 WNBA season into a very strong, title-contending team alongside Kelsey Plum and A’Ja Wilson, a fellow forward who modelled her game after Parker, according to ESPN. She was 37 years old at the time and even though she was not the best player on the team, she certainly helped the Aces with her veteran leadership and experience as a certified winner. They won the 2023 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty, beating them 3-1 in the series.
Candace Parker Wingspan
Candace Parker is 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall with a wingspan of 6 feet 8 inches (203 cm). This makes her very versatile as a shot blocker around the rim and helps her get a lot of points as well. She can be categorized as a two-way inside-out playmaker who can also space the floor well with her shooting ability. Her ball-handling ability also allows her to be a very effective playmaker, and her height advantage allows her to see over players and make the best pass, something traditional guards are not equipped to do.
Candace Parker Position
Candace Parker played at the forward/center position throughout her career. Her versatility as a playmaker and a scoring threat was there from her college days. Add to that the ability to block shots and get rebounds and Parker comes off as an all-around player. Her versatility at her tall height of 6 feet 4 inches made her a top prospect in her draft class and also set a blueprint for players like A’Ja Wilson, who was inspired by Parker’s unique style of play.
FAQ's On Candace Parker Teams
A. Candace Parker was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks with the 1st overall pick in 2008.
A. Candace Parker won two consecutive championships in Tennessee in 2007 and 2008.
A. Candace Parker’s daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, is 14 years old as of July 2024.
A. Candace Parker is a 2-time WNBA MVP (2008 and 2013).