Parker wrote in a social media post on Sunday that she refuses to cheat the game and has decided to call it a career at 38 years old.
The three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced on social media that her career was over after 16 seasons.
Parker, 38, had told The Associated Press in November she wanted to play another season if she could get healthy from a foot injury that kept her off the court last season. But she cautioned that she didn't want to “cheat the game,” or herself, and expressed the same in announcing her retirement ahead of the Aces' attempt to win a third title in a row. Parker has had 10 surgeries over her career.
Parker played her first 13 seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Sparks, establishing her dominance early as a No. 1 pick who won Rookie of the Year and league MVP in the same season. Parker was the only WNBA player to accomplish that feat, averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists while helping the Sparks to a 10-win improvement in 2008.
“It's tough, it's bittersweet for myself because I would have loved to have her with us this year. On the other hand I know exactly what it feels like when it's time, it's time. The body tells you. It's not what your mind or your heart is saying. It's your body," Aces coach Becky Hammon said."She changed the game. She changed what it meant to be a positional basketball player. She played all positions.
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Candace Parker, a 3-time WNBA champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist, announces retirementThe Associated Press
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