Candace Parker reflects on her basketball journey after receiving Hall of Fame ring, “Married to the game”

Candace Parker has received her Basketball Hall of Fame ring and expressed her love for the game with the words, "Married to the game." The three-time WNBA champion was among the 2026 inductees into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and the ceremony took place on August 14 and 15 in Springfield. Her children, Lailaa, Airr Larry, and Hartt Summitt, attended the event and helped Parker put on her Hall of Fame jacket during the ceremony.

Parker began her remarkable career in 2008 when she was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks. She made history that year by winning Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Parker went on to win another MVP and Finals MVP while leading the Sparks to the 2016 championship. She also won an NBA championship with the Chicago Sky in 2021 and the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, making her the only player to win titles with three different teams.

Parker's career highlights also include winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, two national championships and two College Player of the Year awards while at Tennessee, and representing the United States at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, winning gold in both years. Two years after retiring, Parker added another major honor to her collection with the Basketball Hall of Fame induction, and her reaction reflected the deep meaning basketball has held for her throughout her illustrious career.