There have been very few WNBA players more impactful than Los Angeles Sparks legend Candace Parker.
Originally drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, Parker went on to have a legendary professional career. She picked up right where she left off after dominating in college with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Parker played 16 seasons in the WNBA, all but three of those with the Sparks. She finished out her career playing two years with the Chicago Sky and her last season with the Las Vegas Aces.
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Now, Los Angeles has made a major announcement regarding Parker and a major honor that they are rightfully giving her.
Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker.© Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
According to a report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, as shared by the main ESPN account, the Sparks will retire Parker’s jersey on June 29.
“Breaking: The Los Angeles Sparks will retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey on June 29, sources told @ramonashelburne,” ESPN’s post read. “She becomes the third player to have her jersey retired by the franchise, joining Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and former player and general manager Penny Toler.”
Fans immediately started buzzing about the news. Parker was a big part of putting women’s basketball on the map and she is more than deserving of the recognition she is receiving.
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“Wow, what an honor for Candace Parker! That No. 3 jersey is gonna look legendary up there!” one comment read.
Another said, “This is with out a doubt necessary! Congrats Candice!”
“Candace Parker getting her jersey retired by the Sparks is well deserved. She was the face of that franchise for over a decade, brought them a championship in 2016, and cemented herself as one of the greatest to ever play,” another fan wrote.
Throughout her entire WNBA career, Parker played in 410 total games and started in 352 of them. She finished out her WNBA years with averages of 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
