Candace Parker has so far had a career of many highs and a few lows especially in the 2011 season, yet she remains one of the most gifted, dynamic players we’ve seen in basketball. She’s been a collegian champion at the University of Tennessee, number one pick selected in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, gold medalist, and still striving for that first WNBA championship.
"I think she is already there; she's just had a few freak injuries that have temporarily halted her progress. But the great thing about Candace Parker is that she comes back a better player every time. Her work ethic is like nothing I've ever seen. She can change the game.” -Ben York (WNBA Columnist for SLAM Magazine)
This season was not the storybook ending she along with teammates, coaches, and fans, envisioned at the start of the season, however through injury Parker battled back to make a successful return for that playoff push. Unfortunately the Los Angeles Sparks were unsuccessful in going to the post season. I often wondered what made Candace such a special player, and how she owned the court from the moment she set foot on it, until she finishes the game.
“I would say the thing that makes Candace elite is the ability for her to play all five positions, you can't put her in a box. She can bring the ball up the court, shoot the 3, take it to the hole, or post up. - Justine Brown (Sports Journalist)
Parker is developing even more before our eyes as a complete game changer and leader on and off the court.
“What Parker can do on the court, at her size is just unbelievable. She's a nightmare for defenses because she can shoot from anywhere on the court. I think her leadership is going to develop even more and you will be able to see that in her play on the court." -Courtney Jones (Fox Sports West Reporter)
Not only did I have a an opportunity to have a great discussion with these outstanding journalist, Ben York, Courtney Jones, and Justine Brown, but also had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the Sparks superstar herself, Candace Parker at the Sparks training facility in sunny Southern California.
Nick Hamilton (NH): What are your thought on this 2011 season reflecting back?
Candace Parker (CP): I think we’ve started off well, we had our ups and downs on the road this season. Obviously not good enough to win and get in, we just have to continue to get better.
NH: I’ve noticed you have really good footwork on the court, where did that come from?
CP: Actually from playing soccer, that was my number one love. I didn’t want to play basketball at all to be honest. I picked up ball, coming from a big basketball family, my dad played at Iowa a 4 letter winner, my brother [Cavs Guard/Forward Anthony Parker] who still plays in the NBA. The fact that I was always around it , being dragged to the gym, early morning practices, it was embedded in me.
NH: I noticed you’ve been more instrumental this season, taking a bigger leadership role. With you being the leader of this team, how has that helped you overall?
CP: It’s something I’ve developed, you come in the league picking up things over the years from veteran players like Lisa [Leslie], Tina [Thompson]. So now I have that opportunity to share that wisdom with younger players like the vets did with me.
NH: Here’s a two-part question, if your team had won the WNBA title this season, do you think that would’ve silenced your critics & takes some pressure off of you? And if a team like the Minnesota Lynx with Maya Moore win the title, does that add more pressure to you, being that you were in the league longer?
CP: To answer your first question, when you win the first one it’s always special. I think alot of people can win one championship, but not everyone can win two or more. I remember something Michael Jordan said, basically come and holla at me when you win another one. I understand you have to win a couple of championships to begin a championship legacy which I aspire to do!
On your second question, the WNBA is tough. My rookie year could’ve gone either way. We could’ve been in the finals, we were one shot away from that. So if Minnesota wins it or any other team wins it, it doesn’t add any more pressure, the pressure is already there. Bringing a championship to this team and city is what it’s all about, raising that banner.
NH: I saw a quote by Sparks co-owner and your former teammate Lisa Leslie basically saying how she was glad to see the future of WNBA is in great hands which was a caption under a picture with her and Maya Moore, are you the face of the WNBA?
CP: It doesn’t matter, I’m trying to play the best basketball and let everyone else talk about that and sort it out. That’s the job of the media, fans, to discuss who’s the best and who’s not. Obviously I just got on the court and show my skills.
NH: Do you feel playing in the WNBA and playing overseas may be to strenuous on your bodies, perhaps causing injuries?
CP: Some people look at us playing overseas as our side job and its not! I love playing for our fans in the WNBA, I wouldn’t change it for the world. As an athlete you have to be wise, know your body, when to rest, etc. Some players have to make certain financial and career decisions, so I hope I don’t ever have to make that choice between playing in the WNBA and playing overseas. I hope and plan on my body holding up, staying strong, and not having any more injuries.
NH: I’ve heard you’ve spread your wings into acting, have you caught the acting bug?
CP: (laughing) I’m very excited about that, I was asked to appear on “Love That Girl” [TV One show executive produced by Martin Lawrence] I got into wardrobe, make up and learned my lines. It was extremely fun, I love that atmosphere. I don’t want to seem Hollywood, because everyone who moves out to L.A. says there some type of model or actor. No I’m not, I play basketball...well.
NH: Will we see you in other film and television roles possibly?
CP: If it’s the right role, right fit, yeah I would love to do it. I think I did pretty well on “Love That Girl”. It was my first time, pretty nervous, but had alot of fun. I have ultimate respect for actors, they are truly talented.
NH: That's great to hear. What are you plans now that the Sparks season has ended?
CP: I’m playing in Russia in mid-October. It’s my first time going over there this early, normally I go in January. It’s going to be great playing with my teammates and reconnecting over there.
NH: Last question, after many years of course, what type of legacy would you like to leave on the WNBA and the game of basketball itself?
CP: The type of legacy I’d like to leave would be a positive one, one that produced results, championships. I want to be known for my character, facing adversity and overcoming it. In 20 years or so, still seeing young girls and boys wearing my jersey, knowing my name and how I played on the court. Know my style, my signature move(s). Having people say hey that's my Candace Parker shot. And maybe have a dunk or two more in me.
NH: Thank you much, good luck and in Russia, and we look forward to seeing you next WNBA season
CP: You got it, thank you....
With the talent of Candace Parker, there is no question in my mind she and the Los Angeles Sparks will soon be champions. With a gleam in her eyes and a outstanding focus, she is that elite player with her sights set on nothing but championships and expanding her brand. The team management must surround her with sufficient talent and help, to stay competitive in this ever growing, tough WNBA league.
