WNBA legend Candace Parker, who remains the only player in league history to win MVP and Rookie of the Year, is speaking out on a variety of topics. It’s clear that the former Tennessee Volunteers star wants recognition for her accomplishments.
In 2008, Parker achieved the impressive feat of winning both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. Throughout her remarkable career, she also secured three WNBA titles and earned the DPOY award in 2020.
After playing 16 seasons in the WNBA, Parker retired in April just before the start of the 2024 season. Her retirement coincided with the arrival of the 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, who also won Rookie of the Year honors.
During a recent appearance on “The Deal” with Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly, Parker expressed frustration over the upgrades in the league, such as chartered flights and improved facilities, that she did not have during her playing days.
Parker Admits She’s Jealous Of Upgraded Luxuries In Today’s WNBA
“I’m pissed that they started doing chartered flights the year I retired, I’m not gonna lie,” Parker said. “All of us feel a responsibility and a part of the growth that’s happening right now. I mean, the league was hard for so many years, and that’s what I said when I retired: ‘I hope that it’s not too hard for the next [generation].’ Not so difficult.”
“More so, I’m mad because I’m thinking of how much better I could have been if I had an offseason, if I didn’t have to go overseas, and I could have put weight on, and I could have bulked up in the weight room,” Parker continued. “But I also look at the doors that are opening now, and where the sport is. … I work with a lot of angry old heads. I don’t want to be the angry old head.”
“So I’m not gonna be, you know, Shaq coming in, like ‘Oh, man up!’ I’m not gonna be that. I’m gonna be the person where I’m happy where it’s at,” she concluded.
Although Parker is pleased with the growth of the league, she can’t help but wish these advancements had occurred during her playing days. She even made a playful reference to her friend Shaquille O’Neal.
Clark Has Always Given Legends Their Flowers
While many attribute the WNBA’s success to Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star acknowledges the impact of those who came before her. Before the WNBA draft, Clark expressed gratitude towards players like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, Dawn Staley, and Maya Moore for paving the way.
In the end, it’s a matter of timing – Parker paved the way for Clark and future generations to thrive in the WNBA.
