Last month, Candace Parker announced that she would be returning for her 16th year in the league. Here’s why Sky fans should be over the moon.
The Chicago Sky’s 2022 season ended when they bounced back in the semifinals. This is after winning the WNBA title in 2021.
The news that Candace Parker is back and looking for another title shot for Chicago is huge. The franchise was founded in 2005 and has won only one championship (2021) and one conference title (2014). Bringing Parker back puts the Sky in contention for another WNBA Championship.
She’s a two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and WNBA champion. Team Sky must be excited about Parker’s return considering their current roster build.
Once teams can negotiate players on Jan. 21 in preparation for free agency on Feb. 1, Chicago’s hands will be full. The Sky need to prioritize re-signing Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, Emma Meesseman, Azura Stevens and Allie Quigley.
Most likely, the team will keep key players. Assuming Chicago re-signs its core, here are three reasons why Chicago should be chasing another title with Parker.
3. Candace Parker is cool under pressure
Before Parker signed with Chicago in 2021, the Sky had suffered two embarrassing exits from the playoffs 2019 and 2020 Due to poor implementation of the game late. Parker helps this team stay together no matter the circumstances in the game. Often, if Sky gets confused, the Tennessee producer will call out a quick messenger.
Parker was the #1 pick overall in the 2008 WNBA Draft and got an apprenticeship under Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie. Leslie played 12 seasons in the league and won two championships (2001, 2002).
Parker won her first WNBA Championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 against the Minnesota Lynx. Playing under the late Pat Summitt and Brian Agler taught her how to play in late game situations. No matter the state of the game, the two-time MVP has seen it all.
Sure, Team Sky have already cleared the hurdle of winning the championship, but they still need a leader to push them through the biggest moments.
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