WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Candace Parker

• Won 3 WNBA championships with 3 different teams (2016 Sparks, 2021 Sky, 2023 Aces)
• 2-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013) and WNBA Finals MVP (2016)
• First player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in same season (2008)

Candace Parker was a generational talent who dominated the WNBA for 15 seasons, winning titles with three franchises while redefining the power forward position.

Overview

Candace Parker entered the WNBA in 2008 as one of the most hyped prospects in league history. She lived up to enormous expectations by winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in her debut season, setting the tone for a career filled with individual and team success. Parker's unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill allowed her to impact the game in multiple ways. She could score from anywhere on the court, rebound at an elite level, and facilitate offense for teammates.

Career Snapshot

Parker was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008 after a decorated college career at Tennessee. She spent 13 seasons with the Sparks, winning her first WNBA title in 2016. Parker then signed with her hometown Chicago Sky in 2021, immediately leading them to the franchise's first championship. She capped off her career by winning a third title with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023 before retiring.

Playing Style

At 6'4", Parker had the size to dominate in the post but also possessed guard-like ball-handling and passing skills. This versatility made her nearly impossible to defend. She could grab a defensive rebound, lead the fast break herself, and either score or find an open teammate. Parker's court vision and passing ability were elite for a front court player. Defensively, she used her length and athleticism to protect the rim and disrupt passing lanes.

Why Candace Parker is on our list

Parker's inclusion on any list of WNBA greats is a no-brainer. Her combination of individual accolades and team success puts her in rarefied air. Parker won two regular season MVP awards and a Finals MVP. She made seven All-Star teams and was named to the All-WNBA First Team seven times. Most importantly, she proved to be a franchise-altering talent by leading three different teams to championships.

Parker's impact went beyond statistics. She was one of the most marketable stars in WNBA history, helping grow the league's popularity. Her ability to dunk in games brought extra attention and excitement. Parker also broke barriers off the court, becoming the first woman to be a full-time analyst for NBA games on TNT.

Five Fast Facts

1. First woman to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game and WNBA All-Star Game
2. Won back-to-back NCAA titles at Tennessee in 2007 and 2008
3. Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012)
4. Recorded the sixth triple-double in WNBA history in 2017
5. Named to the WNBA's 20th and 25th Anniversary Teams

Career Highlights Timeline

2008: Drafted 1st overall by Los Angeles Sparks, wins Rookie of the Year and MVP

2012: Wins Olympic gold medal with Team USA in London

2013: Captures second WNBA MVP award

2016: Leads Sparks to WNBA title, wins Finals MVP

2020: Named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

2021: Signs with Chicago Sky, wins second WNBA championship

2023: Wins third WNBA title with Las Vegas Aces in final season

Candace Parker's WNBA career was defined by consistent excellence and an ability to elevate her teams to championship contention. Her versatile skillset at the power forward position and inspired a generation of players. With multiple MVPs, championships with three different franchises, and a lasting impact on the game's popularity, Parker cemented her legacy as one of the most dominant forces in WNBA history.