Is Candace Parker Injured? Who is Candace Parker? What Happened to Candace Parker?

In the world of professional basketball, few names shine as brightly as that of Candace Parker. Her remarkable journey through the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been filled with achievements, accolades, and a legacy that inspires aspiring athletes. However, a recent development has left fans and enthusiasts wondering, “What happened to Candace Parker, and is she injured?” In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Candace Parker’s illustrious career, her recent injury, and what the future holds for this basketball icon.

The Versatile Star: Who is Candace Parker?

Candace Parker is a renowned American professional basketball player currently associated with the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. With a career spanning multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks and the Chicago Sky, she has achieved remarkable success, securing championships with both franchises. Known for her versatility on the court, Parker primarily operates in the forward and center positions.

Her achievements include multiple prestigious awards such as the WNBA Most Valuable Player, WNBA Finals MVP, and the WNBA Rookie of the Year, among others. Additionally, she has represented the United States in the Olympics, earning two gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Beyond her playing career, Parker has also transitioned into the role of an analyst and commentator for Turner Sports, providing coverage for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV, as well as for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament since 2018.

The Injury: What Happened to Candace Parker?

Candace Parker, a prominent player in the WNBA, has been sidelined since July due to a foot injury. Despite playing through the pain of a fracture, Parker decided to undergo surgery to ensure her long-term health and to prevent further damage. Her absence has been notable for the Las Vegas Aces, who have been performing exceptionally well in the absence of their key offseason acquisition.

Despite being out of action for over three months, Parker has been a constant presence on the sidelines, showing her support for her team. Known for her remarkable career statistics, Parker has displayed her talents over the years, averaging 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game throughout her 15-year career. Her contributions to the Aces have also been significant, with averages of 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the 18 games she played before her injury.

Despite being 37 years old and contemplating retirement in recent years, Parker has maintained her status as one of the top players in the WNBA. Her achievements include a successful tenure in Chicago, where she helped the franchise secure their first title in 2021 and achieve a record-breaking 26 regular-season wins in 2022.

The Aces Without Parker

With the Aces currently leading the WNBA finals 2-0 without Parker, they have relied on A’ja Wilson to lead the team. Wilson’s strong performance, particularly her 26 points and 15 rebounds in Game 2, has been crucial for the team’s success.

As of now, Candace Parker’s return remains indefinite, leaving the Aces to continue their pursuit of a second consecutive WNBA title without her active participation. The upcoming Game 3 in New York will be a critical moment for both teams, as no team in WNBA history has managed to overturn a 0-2 deficit in the finals.

The Legendary Career of Candace Parker

Candace Parker’s career in professional basketball has been marked by remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport. She began her professional journey in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008, making an immediate impact by winning both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards in the same season, a feat only matched by a few legendary players. Her debut game, in which she scored 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, set a rookie record for the highest point total in a debut game. Parker made history by becoming the second woman in WNBA history to dunk during a regulation game.

Parker’s career with the Sparks continued with various highlights, including a pregnancy break and multiple All-Star selections. Her success reached its pinnacle in 2016 when she led the Sparks to their first WNBA championship in over a decade, earning the Finals MVP award. She also became a two-time WNBA MVP, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s greatest players.

Parker’s tenure with the Sparks was followed by a transition to the Chicago Sky, where she played a significant role in helping them secure the 2021 WNBA championship. In 2023, she joined the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to their championship victory in the same year, even though she was unable to play due to a foot fracture.

Candace Parker’s impact extends beyond her WNBA career, as she also represented the United States in international competitions and played overseas during the WNBA offseason. Additionally, she made a successful transition to a broadcasting career, serving as an analyst and commentator for various basketball events, including the NBA and NCAA tournaments.

Throughout her career, Candace Parker’s versatility, athleticism, and leadership have made her a prominent figure in women’s basketball, earning her numerous accolades and recognition as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The Early Days: Candace Parker’s High School and College Career

Candace Parker’s early career showcases her exceptional talent and achievements from high school through her college years. At Naperville Central High School in Illinois, she led her team to consecutive Class AA state titles in 2003 and 2004, setting a school scoring record of 2,768 points and 1,592 rebounds. Notably, she was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the USA Today High School Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year, among others.

Parker’s proficiency in dunking, exemplified by her first dunk at the age of 15 during a high school game, gained widespread recognition. She further solidified her dunking prowess by winning the slam dunk contest at the McDonald’s All-American Game in 2004, a groundbreaking achievement for a female athlete. Her commitment to the University of Tennessee was announced on live television in 2003, and she later made a significant impact for the Lady Vols, including leading the team to consecutive NCAA titles in 2007 and 2008.

Notably, Parker became known as the fastest player in Lady Vols history to score 1,000 career points and was honored as the 2007 SEC Player of the Year. Her decision to forgo her final college season to focus on the 2008 Olympics and her professional basketball career further emphasized her dedication to the sport. Throughout her college career, Parker displayed an exceptional all-around game, averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game, solidifying her reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile players in women’s basketball.

Family: Candace Parker’s Background

Candace Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, was raised in a family deeply passionate about basketball. Her father had previously played basketball at the University of Iowa during the 1970s, while her older brother, Anthony Parker, had a successful career in the NBA. Despite her familial connection to the sport, Parker initially hesitated to pursue basketball seriously, feeling apprehensive about matching the level of skill demonstrated by her father and brother.

Consequently, she initially focused on soccer, only transitioning to basketball in eighth grade after her family encouraged her to do so. Her father played a crucial role as her coach, challenging her and pushing her to excel, often employing unconventional methods to motivate her, such as leaving the park if he felt she wasn’t practicing hard enough, prompting her to run home. These experiences shaped Parker’s work ethic and determination on the basketball court.

The Personal Life: Candace Parker’s Marriages and Children

Candace Parker married two times in her life, and here are the details:

First Marriage with Shelden Williams

Candace Parker married Shelden Williams, a former Duke University basketball player and NBA professional, on November 13, 2008. The couple purchased a lavish 7,000-square-foot home in Encino, Los Angeles, in 2013. However, their marriage ultimately ended in November 2016 after eight years, with Williams filing for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Second Marriage to Anna Petrakova

On December 14, 2021, Parker revealed that she had tied the knot with Anna Petrakova in 2019. Anna Petrakova is a distinguished Russian professional basketball player who notably represented the Russia women’s national basketball team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, securing a fourth-place finish. She has also achieved success in various European basketball leagues, winning titles such as the 2011–12 EuroCup Women with Dynamo Kursk and the 2012–13 EuroLeague Women and the 2013 FIBA Europe SuperCup Women with UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Candace Parker Children

Candace Parker and Shelden Williams had a daughter together in 2009 during their marriage. In October 2020, both Parker and her daughter were involved in the ownership group of Angel City FC, a Los Angeles-based team that joined the National Women’s Soccer League in 2022. Following her marriage to Anna Petrakova, the couple welcomed a son in February 2022.

The Financial Aspect: Candace Parker’s Net Worth

Candace Parker’s Net Worth is $5 million. Her sources of income include her professional basketball career, both in the WNBA and internationally, as well as her various endorsement deals. Additionally, her work as a basketball analyst and commentator for Turner Sports and other media outlets contributes to her income. Furthermore, her involvement in ownership groups, such as her role with Angel City FC, likely provides her with additional financial resources.

The Ageless Icon: Candace Parker’s Age

As of 2023, Candace Parker is 37 years old, having accomplished significant milestones in her illustrious career. Despite her age, she remains an influential figure in the world of professional basketball, admired for her exceptional skills and versatility on the court. With a successful journey in both the WNBA and international basketball, Parker has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her expertise as a basketball analyst and commentator for Turner Sports further solidifies her status as a prominent figure in the basketball community.

The Physical Presence: Candace Parker’s Attributes

Candace Parker stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), making her a formidable presence on the basketball court. With a weight of 184 pounds (83 kilograms), she combines her towering stature with a finely tuned physique, allowing her to excel in various positions within the sport. Her athleticism and agility, coupled with her remarkable height, contribute to her ability to dominate the game, both offensively and defensively.

## The Conclusion

Candace Parker’s journey in the world of professional basketball is a testament to her unwavering commitment, versatility, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her recent injury may have temporarily taken her off the court, but it has not diminished her status as one of the greatest players the WNBA has ever seen. As fans eagerly await her return, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Candace Parker will continue to inspire athletes and basketball enthusiasts for generations to come.

## FAQs

**1. What Happened to Candace Parker?**
– Candace Parker, a prominent player in the WNBA, has been sidelined since July due to a foot injury. Despite playing through the pain of a fracture, Parker decided to undergo surgery to ensure her long-term health and to prevent further damage. Her absence has been notable for the Las Vegas Aces, who have been performing exceptionally well in the absence of their key offseason acquisition.

**2. Is Candace Parker Injured?**
– Yes, Candace Parker sustained a foot injury that has kept her sidelined since July. Despite playing with a fracture throughout the season, she opted for surgery to ensure her long-term health and prevent further injury.

**3. When was Candace Parker born?**
– Candace Parker was born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

**4. In which sports league does Candace Parker play?**
– Candace Parker is a professional basketball player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

**5. Has Candace Parker won any championships?**
– Yes, Candace Parker has won multiple championships, including two WNBA titles and an NCAA championship during her collegiate career with the University of Tennessee.