Latest news with #jerseyretirement
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
WNBA power rankings: Could Angel Reese's hot streak boost Chicago Sky?
Candace Parker had her jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, a fitting tribute for the two-time MVP, Rookie of the Year and one-time champion and Finals MVP. It is the first of two jersey retirements Parker will receive this summer, the second coming on Aug. 25 in Chicago, where Parker won her second WNBA title. Advertisement 'What a winner,' Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said. 'Everywhere (Parker) went, she won, and not all of us can say that.' As the WNBA brings in a new generation of stars and begins a new chapter in the national consciousness, honoring Parker is a reminder of how much of the WNBA history runs through her. Parker was drafted to one of the league's original franchises, forming a frontcourt tandem with the Sparks' first allocated player and current Hall of Famer, Lisa Leslie. She featured in some of the league's best rivalries as Los Angeles regularly faced off against the Phoenix Mercury in the Western Conference playoffs and then against the Minnesota Lynx for four consecutive postseasons (two of those matchups coming in the Finals). Her battles against Sylvia Fowles, perhaps the league's greatest center and the player taken directly after Parker in the 2008 draft, highlighted those series. Parker was one of the league's first high-profile free agents to change teams via the terms of the collective bargaining agreement enacted in 2020, and she helped bring Chicago its first WNBA championship. She then finished her career in Las Vegas alongside A'ja Wilson, who grew up idolizing Parker and represents the next evolution among dominant posts. Throughout her career, Parker set new standards for her peers and those who followed her. Multiple current power forwards like Nneka Ogwumike cite Parker as their inspiration for allowing them to expand their games beyond the back-to-the-basket role. Dearica Hamby, who had a child before her second season like Parker, credited the likely Hall of Famer for making being a mom and a WNBA athlete accessible and cool. Others point to Parker's success in the media space as an example of how to build a second career even while still playing. All eyes on 3. @Candace_Parker x @WNBA — Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) June 29, 2025 'It's hard to tell the story of the WNBA without Candace Parker,' said Chicago coach Tyler Marsh, who coached Parker as an assistant in Las Vegas in 2023. 'She's changed the game and inspired so many, not just women, but men as well. Coaches, players, anyone that's been associated with the sport, she's made a lasting impact on.' Advertisement Parker brought success to all of her stops, from Tennessee to Las Vegas. She didn't just attach herself to winning situations — she achieved new heights, ones that those programs haven't managed to replicate. The Lady Vols haven't won a championship since Parker graduated, and the Sparks have yet to even make the playoffs in the five years since she left. Chicago has been through four coaches in three seasons, and the Aces struggle to recapture their championship identity. Parker was a unique talent who changed the way the WNBA game looks. Even without her jerseys in the rafters, you can see Parker's fingerprints in Angel Reese bringing up the ball to facilitate the offense or Wilson extending her shooting range. Parker's legacy lives on in the play of this WNBA era. Here are this week's power rankings: The Lynx are the league's best fourth-quarter team with a plus-23.9 net rating in the final period coming into this week. Even without Napheesa Collier, the expectation was that Minnesota would figure out how to emerge with a win against Washington, especially after the short-handed Lynx had rolled through the Sparks with a late run three days earlier. Instead, the Mystics suffocated Minnesota in the final 10 minutes, limiting the Lynx to 9 points and one field goal, which came with 8:48 to play, compared to six turnovers. Washington fought hard through screens, keeping Minnesota mostly out of the paint and forcing an offensive foul on a moving screen. Sug Sutton was nearly impossible to clear out at the point of attack. Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin easily jumped out to the perimeter to make passes difficult. The Mystics were a little foul-happy, keeping the Lynx in the game by conceding 12 free throws, but their activity level and aggression on that end were otherwise on point. Getting a young team to be so connected and alert on defense is an impressive accomplishment for Sydney Johnson and his coaching staff. The last turnover from Minnesota wasn't even necessarily a takeaway by the Mystics, but they had so thoroughly disrupted the Lynx for 40 minutes that Courtney Williams lost her focus and didn't catch the inbounds cleanly, allowing Sutton to pounce, pick up the loose ball and score the winning layup. Sutton secured the win by once again keeping Williams out of the paint and forcing one last miss. Advertisement Washington has a league-average defense as the youngest team, allowing the Mystics to remain competitive despite offensive struggles. They've played the most clutch minutes of any WNBA team, and those learning experiences will pay dividends as this young core continues to grow together. With Kamilla Cardoso away from the Sky representing Brazil at the AmeriCup, Reese was given the opportunity to play center for extended minutes for the first time this season and acquitted herself reasonably well against Golden State. But Chicago's defensive identity comes from its two-big lineups (check out Elizabeth Williams' block party against the Sparks on Sunday), and with Reese back at power forward, she had a historic performance in the Sky's win. Reese became the fourth player in WNBA history to post at least 24 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, joining Parker, Leslie and Tina Thompson. She's assumed a greater playmaking role in Courtney Vandersloot's absence and functions well out of the high post. Her seven assists against the Sparks even shortchanged her passing, as she deserved an assist to the cutting Michaela Onyenwere with a laser into the paint. Reese's finishing has taken a step up in June, as her 2-point percentage improved from 31 percent in May to 48.5 percent this month, and Los Angeles was powerless to stop her high-angle layup attempts. You never have to worry about Reese playing hard; her motor was a differentiator in both of Chicago's wins over the Sparks this past week, as the Sky continued to execute down the stretch while L.A. grew stagnant. The focus on Reese's efficiency sometimes overshadows what she does at an elite level. Even if she can't be a No. 1 scoring option, her ability to create possessions is unlike almost anyone else. She overpowered every defender L.A. threw at her, even a fellow All-Star in Hamby. She led both teams in points, rebounds and assists, impacting the game in so many ways. WNBA teams have a full year of tape on Reese, but they haven't figured out how to take away what she does well. This has to be the saddest jump ball I have ever seen. Myisha Hines-Allen flies in for an offensive rebound and battles to keep possession away from Shakira Austin. But once a tie-up is called, Hines-Allen gives the least possible effort on the ensuing jump ball, deliberately violating to move on with the game. The WNBA doesn't need this. The amount of time it takes for referees to set up jump balls, to explain the rules of where players can stand, and then to properly execute a throw is too long. There are all sorts of violations between players touching the ball too early, illegally handling the ball before a teammate or simply needing a redo because the toss was improper. There was a violation to start the game between Minnesota and Phoenix earlier this season. If players aren't interested in even winning the tip, there is no reason to have a jump ball beyond the opening tip. Switch to a possession arrow, and keep the game flowing. Possessions like these are unnecessary. Nye continues to be coach Becky Hammon's preferred choice in the closing lineup alongside Las Vegas' core four of Wilson, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young and is fifth on the Aces in total clutch minutes. That faith in Nye paid off against Phoenix, as she hit two fourth-quarter 3s to help Las Vegas come back on the road against the Mercury. The threat of her shooting helped clear the paint for Young and Wilson, and Nye even collected a critical rebound as the Aces clung to a 3-point lead with nine seconds remaining. Whether playing so small down the stretch is tenable for Las Vegas is unclear, but Nye is earning her spot by shooting the ball well (5 of 7 on 3-pointers) and playing team defense. The Aces have more trust in their first-year guard than any other rotation options. 5 THREES FOR AALIYAH NYE 🤯 Back-to-back triples from the rook! She's keeping Vegas in it during this final stretch! LVA-PHX | League Pass | WNBA Pride @coach — WNBA (@WNBA) June 29, 2025 It's a lighter slate this week, as every team except Minnesota and Indiana is off from Monday to Wednesday because of the Commissioner's Cup and then Independence Day on Friday. Among the three days with games, this one stands out. Phoenix had been riding a six-game winning streak before losing to Las Vegas at home. Meanwhile, Dallas has also been playing its best basketball of the season and welcomes back Luisa Geiselsöder and Teaira McCowan from EuroBasket. The Wings have had success against a weaker schedule, so this is an opportunity to test out their improvements against the team with the second-best record in the WNBA. Plus, Paige Bueckers had her best game of the year against the Mercury (35 points on 13 of 19 shooting) and will demand better defensive attention from Phoenix in the rematch.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Indiana Fever Star Aliyah Boston Has Clear Opinion on Candace Parker
Indiana Fever Star Aliyah Boston Has Clear Opinion on Candace Parker originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston has made her feelings clear about WNBA legend Candace Parker, celebrating the former Los Angeles Sparks standout's recent jersey retirement with a heartfelt message. Advertisement During a special halftime ceremony, the Sparks honored Parker by raising her No. 3 jersey into the rafters at Arena. The event took place during the Sparks' game against the Chicago Sky. Boston joined fans and players across the league in celebrating Parker's achievements. Sharing her reaction on Instagram, Boston posted a video clip of Parker's speech during the ceremony. 'So deserving,' Boston wrote in her caption. Parker spent 13 seasons playing for the Sparks after being drafted first overall in 2008 out of the University of Tennessee. Over her career in Los Angeles, she became one of the biggest names in the WNBA, winning two MVP awards and leading the Sparks to a championship in 2016. Advertisement Parker later played for the Chicago Sky, where she helped win another championship in 2021. She finished her career with the Las Vegas Aces, adding yet another title to her name. Former Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker acknowledges the crowd during her jersey retirement ceremony at Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Parker is the third player in Sparks history to have her jersey retired, joining Lisa Leslie and Penny Toler. During the ceremony, Sparks co-owner and Lakers legend Magic Johnson called Parker 'the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA,' while Lisa Leslie said Parker 'changed the game' and ensured the Sparks were 'in good hands.' Boston's tribute comes at a time when she and her Fever teammates, including star guard Caitlin Clark, are drawing significant attention and crowds wherever they play. Advertisement Boston herself has been vocal about the growing popularity of the league and the importance of supporting women's sports. 'Every game is a home game. I think you see that. People show up, they show out. I think it's great for this league,' Boston said following a recent Fever win against the Dallas Wings. Related: Aliyah Boston Shares Funny Reaction After Going Viral Over Angel Reese Altercation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LeBron James Keeps His Candace Parker Tribute Short and Simple
LeBron James Keeps His Candace Parker Tribute Short and Simple originally appeared on Athlon Sports. All eyes were on Arena on Sunday as the Los Angeles Sparks hosted the Chicago Sky in a WNBA regular-season game. Advertisement It was a disappointing outcome for the home team, though, as Angel Reese led the Sky to a 92-85 victory against a struggling Sparks side. Reese and Co. pulled off the win in front of an L.A. crowd that came to Arena not only to watch the game, but to witness history unfold as well. WNBA legend Candace Parker was in the building for her jersey retirement ceremony as the Sparks immortalized her legacy by hanging her No. 3 jersey on the rafters. The team held the ceremony at halftime, which saw Parker and her family take center court for the momentous occasion. View the original article to see embedded media. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the big-name personalities who paid tribute to Parker during her historic night. The NBA's all-time leading scorer took to Instagram to share his subtle reaction to Parker's jersey retirement. Advertisement "🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽" James captioned his Instagram post, sharing a video of Parker's iconic moment. James did not have any words for Parker, instead opting to use three raised hands emojis to celebrate the three-time WNBA champion's success. James and the Lakers play their home games at Arena as well, which means that he will be seeing Parker's jersey hanging in the stands on a regular occasion. Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) pays tribute to Candace Kirby Lee-Imagn Images It should only be a matter of time before James, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, sees his jersey hung alongside Parker's in the rafters. James is heading into his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26, and, at age 40, there's no denying that he's going to be walking away from the game in the not-so-distant future. Advertisement When that time comes, the Lakers will also honor James by retiring his jersey alongside the all-time greats who came before him. Related: Former Lakers Player's LeBron James Revelation Grabs Attention Related: Steph Curry Hit With Harsh LeBron James Reality by NBA Insider This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker has jersey retired by Los Angeles Sparks (AP)
If Candace Parker could put music to her jersey retirement ceremony, it would be "I Did It My Way," the Jay-Z remix of Frank Sinatra's hit. Parker's No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks jersey was raised to the rafters of Arena during Sunday's game against the Chicago Sky. After being the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA draft out of Tennessee, Parker spent 13 of her 16 seasons with LA and won a championship with the Sparks in 2016, when she was MVP of the WNBA Finals. She added titles with her hometown Sky in 2021 and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, her final season. The 39-year-old Parker is the third Sparks player to have her jersey retired, joining Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11). The five-time All-Star has always had big dreams. "I represent coming from a family that told me I could do and be anything. I'm really proud of that kid," Parker said. "I think I'd do things exactly the same way because it's why I'm sitting here. I made mistakes and took two steps forward and one back, but I was always moving forward." Parker, who wore an orange outfit as an ode to her college days, walked on to the court during the first timeout and got a standing ovation. Fans were given yellow jerseys that read "That's our Ace" with the number 3 incorporated into the design. This was the first of two jersey retirement ceremonies for Parker. Chicago will retire her jersey later this summer. "When I got drafted out here, it's become home," Parker said. "I've lived here longer than anywhere else. It's super important to see this jersey in the rafters before any others because my 13 years here were super special. It was ups, downs, wins, losses, heartaches and rewards but it's super special to share that with my teammates and coaches with an organization that bet on me with the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft. That was a long time ago." Parker and fans watched tribute videos from luminaries including former Lakers player and Sparks coach Michael Cooper and Sparks owner Magic Johnson. Leslie, who played with Parker at the end of her career, introduced Parker during a halftime ceremony and was emotional as Parker spoke. "No. 3 will hang in the rafters because nobody else can do what Candace Parker has done for the LA Sparks," Leslie told the crowd. In Johnson's tribute video, he said the jersey retirement is the ultimate honor. "That means you're a super, super, superstar in the game of basketball to be right up there next to me, Kareem, Kobe and so many greats," Johnson said. "That will be a special moment and a great way to say to herself, 'Look at me, I really have arrived.'" Parker, who was flanked by her family for the ceremony, was a two-time WNBA MVP with the Sparks, in 2008 and 2013. She's the franchise's career assists leader with 1,331 and is second in rebounds and points. She averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists along with 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals. During her second season, Parker gave birth to a daughter. She returned to practice weeks later, and Lailaa Williams, now 16, was a welcome addition at practices and games throughout Parker's years in LA. "Candace Parker's impact on the WNBA is immeasurable. From the moment she stepped onto the court as a rookie, winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, she has continually redefined greatness," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelberg said. "Beyond her accolades, Candace has been a leader, a mentor, and a trailblazer — inspiring the next generation of athletes with her skill, resilience, and passion for the game. She has used her platform to elevate women's sports, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends the court." Angel Reese, one of Parker's successors as a face of the league, had 24 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Sky to a 92-85 win over the Sparks. Parker, who also has two young sons, has worked has a broadcaster and author since her playing career ended. Her book, "The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions," was published this month.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Among the greats: Candace Parker has her L.A. Sparks jersey retired
If Candace Parker could put music to her jersey retirement ceremony, it would be I Did It My Way, the Jay-Z remix of Frank Sinatra's hit. Parker's No. 3 Los Angeles Sparks jersey was raised to the rafters of Arena before Sunday's game against the Chicago Sky. After being the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA draft out of Tennessee, Parker spent 13 of her 16 seasons with LA and won a championship with the Sparks in 2016, when she was MVP of the WNBA Finals. She added titles with her hometown Sky in 2021 and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, her final season. The 39-year-old Parker is the third Sparks player to have her jersey retired, joining Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie (No. 9) and Penny Toler (No. 11). The five-time All-Star has always had big dreams. 'I represent coming from a family that told me I could do and be anything. I'm really proud of that kid,' Parker said. 'I think I'd do things exactly the same way because it's why I'm sitting here. I made mistakes and took two steps forward and one back, but I was always moving forward.' Parker, who wore an orange outfit as an ode to her college days, walked on to the court during the first timeout and got a standing ovation. Fans were given yellow jerseys that read 'That's our Ace' with the No. 3 incorporated into the design. This was the first of two jersey retirement ceremonies for Parker. Chicago will retire her jersey later this summer. 'When I got drafted out here, it's become home,' Parker said. 'I've lived here longer than anywhere else. It's super important to see this jersey in the rafters before any others because my 13 years here were super special. It was ups, downs, wins, losses, heartaches and rewards but it's super special to share that with my teammates and coaches with an organization that bet on me with the first pick in the 2008 WNBA draft. That was a long time ago.' Parker and fans watched tribute videos from luminaries including former Lakers player and Sparks coach Michael Cooper and Sparks owner Magic Johnson. Leslie, who played with Parker at the end of her career, introduced Parker during a halftime ceremony and was emotional as Parker spoke. 'No. 3 will hang in the rafters because nobody else can do what Candace Parker has done for the LA Sparks,' Leslie told the crowd. In Johnson's tribute video, he said the jersey retirement is the ultimate honour. 'That means you're a super, super, superstar in the game of basketball to be right up there next to me, Kareem, Kobe and so many greats,' Johnson said. 'That will be a special moment and a great way to say to herself, 'Look at me, I really have arrived.'' Parker, who was flanked by her family for the ceremony, was a two-time WNBA MVP with the Sparks, in 2008 and 2013. She's the franchise's career assists leader with 1,331 and is second in rebounds and points. She averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists along with 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals. During her second season, Parker gave birth to a daughter. She returned to practice weeks later, and Lailaa Williams, now 16, was a welcome addition at practices and games throughout Parker's years in LA. 'Candace Parker's impact on the WNBA is immeasurable. From the moment she stepped onto the court as a rookie, winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season, she has continually redefined greatness,' WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelberg said. 'Beyond her accolades, Candace has been a leader, a mentor, and a trailblazer — inspiring the next generation of athletes with her skill, resilience, and passion for the game. She has used her platform to elevate women's sports, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends the court.' Parker, who also has two young sons, has worked as a broadcaster and author since her playing career ended. Her book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions, was published this month.
