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Time of India

Candace Parker Celebrates Jersey Retirement and Cannes Nightlife with Dwyane Wade After Historic Sparks Honor

Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker (Image via Getty) Hours after Candace Parker's emotional jersey retirement ceremony with the Los Angeles Sparks, a video surfaced showing her and NBA legend Dwyane Wade embracing the vibrant nightlife of Cannes. The clip, shared by @theaftiescannes on Instagram, captured the two basketball icons enjoying the exclusive The Afties party—an event created to celebrate creatives of color during the Cannes Lions Festival. Dwyane Wade reshared the video on his Instagram story with a simple yet meaningful caption: 'Always us @candaceparker.' The two-word message highlighted their long-standing friendship and mutual respect, a bond that has been visible both on and off the court. Candace Parker's historic jersey retirement The celebration in Cannes followed a monumental moment in Parker's career. During halftime of the Sparks' game against the Chicago Sky, her No. 3 jersey was raised to the rafters, making her only the third player in Sparks history to receive the honor, alongside Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler. Parker's legacy is undeniable: - 2× WNBA MVP - 3× WNBA champion - 7× WNBA All-Star - Olympic gold medalist Her impact extends beyond the court, as she has also become a prominent analyst and influencer in sports media. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch by L&T – 3 & 4 BHKs Near Viviana L&T Evara Heights Enquire Now Undo The Afties: A star-studded Cannes celebration While Candace Parker 's jersey retirement was the main event, her appearance at The Afties in Cannes added another layer to her celebratory weekend. The exclusive party, founded by TJ Adeshola, Taylor Rooks, and their circle, was created to provide a space for creatives of color who felt excluded from mainstream Cannes Lions events. This year's edition attracted a high-profile guest list, including: - Carmelo Anthony - Gabrielle Union - Russell Westbrook - Shay Mitchell Held at the Chrystie venue, the event featured a rotating DJ lineup and became a hotspot for athletes and entertainers alike. The viral moment of Wade and Parker enjoying the music only added to the night's energy. Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker's friendship beyond basketball Dwyane Wade's caption—'Always us'—was more than just a casual remark. It reflected a bond that has been visible over the years, whether through their shared appearances on TV panels or their mutual support in the basketball community. The timing of the Cannes celebration, right after Parker's jersey retirement, made the moment even more special. It wasn't just a night out—it was a continuation of the recognition she has earned throughout her legendary career. The debate: Is Candace Parker the greatest WNBA player ever? With Parker's jersey now retired, the conversation about her place in WNBA history has intensified. While some argue her versatility, accolades, and impact make her the greatest, others point to legends like Diana Taurasi, Lisa Leslie, or Maya Moore as contenders for the title. Key points in Parker's favor: - Only player to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season (2008) - First WNBA player with a 30-point, 15-rebound, 5-assist game - Successful transition to broadcasting and business Also read: Charlotte Hornets Land Collin Sexton in Surprising Swap with the Utah Jazz, Shake Up 2025 Offseason Landscape Regardless of where fans stand on the debate, one thing is clear: Candace Parker's influence on basketball—and sports culture as a whole—is undeniable. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.