US Women's NBA star Parker retires

English Woman's Journal - US Women's NBA star Parker retires

SPORTS 28.04.2024

US Women's NBA star Parker retires / Photo: Ethan Miller - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Candace Parker, a three-time Women's NBA champion and two-time Olympic champion for the United States, announced her retirement on Sunday after 16 WNBA seasons.

Change text size:

The 38-year-old power forward, who posted her decision on Instagram, was a two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player who averaged 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 blocked shot and 1.3 steals a game for her career.

"I'm retiring," Parker wrote. "I promised I'd never cheat the game & that I'd leave it in a better place than I came into it. The competitor in me always wants 1 more, but it's time. My HEART & body knew, but I needed to give my mind time to accept it."

Parker won WNBA titles in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks, 2021 with the Chicago Sky and last year with the Las Vegas Aces. She underwent surgery for a fractured foot last July and struggled with the injury as a new campaign loomed next month.

"This offseason hasn't been fun on a foot that isn't cooperating," Parker wrote. "It's no fun playing in pain (10 surgeries in my career) it's no fun knowing what you could do, if only... it's no fun hearing 'she isn't the same' when I know why, it's no fun accepting the fact you need surgery AGAIN."

Parker, who won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012, vowed she would one day own both NBA and WNBA clubs but looked forward to life away from the court as well.

"Being a wife & mom still remains priority #1 & I've learned that time flies, so I plan to enjoy my family to the fullest," she wrote.

"Today's players: ENJOY IT. No matter how you prepare for it, you won't be ready for the gap it leaves in your soul. Forgive me as I mourn a bit, but I'll be back loving the game differently in a while."

T.Wright--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.