Retirement of Candace Parker's Jersey by Chicago Sky Confirms Lasting Legacy

In a heartwarming ceremony at Wintrust Arena, the Chicago Sky retired the number 3 jersey of basketball legend Candace Parker. This momentous occasion not only marked a permanent place for Parker in Chicago's sports history but also celebrated her incredible legacy as a Sky player.

Parker, who joined the Sky in 2021, delivered Chicago's first WNBA championship just two seasons later. Her tenure in Chicago was built on connection as much as results, as evidenced by the jeans she wore featuring images of her 2021 teammates.

During the postseason run that secured the championship, Parker averaged an impressive 13.8 points and 2.1 steals. Her short stint in Chicago was a testament to her enduring impact, even after her retirement from the game.

Parker's journey back to Chicago was decades in the making, starting from her time at Naperville Central where she led the team to two state titles. After winning two national championships at Tennessee and being drafted No. 1 overall in 2008, Parker spent 13 years in Los Angeles, claiming two MVPs, seven All-Star selections, and her first WNBA title in 2016. She also has her No. 3 retired by the Los Angeles Sparks, making her the second WNBA player honoured by multiple teams.

Family, friends, former teammates, and fellow Chicago natives such as Common and Jennifer Hudson filled the arena for the ceremony. Derrick Rose, a fellow Chicago sports icon, sent in a video tribute for Parker.

Elizabeth Williams, Chicago center, stated that Parker is a legend in every sense of the word. Parker's high school coach, Andy Nussbaum, stood courtside at the event, bearing witness to the culmination of Parker's remarkable career.

As Parker takes on new roles, including serving as president of women's basketball for Adidas and bridging men's and women's basketball with equal authority on TNT's NBA broadcasts, her impact on the sport continues to grow. Parker's book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions, will be released later this year, further cementing her status as a trailblazer and inspiration.

The moment of seeing her No. 3 lifted into the rafters was significant for Parker, as Chicago holds a special place in her heart. With her number retired by the Chicago Sky, Parker's legacy in the Windy City is now immortalised for all to see.

Editor's Pick: The Chicago Bulls will retire Derrick Rose's No. 1 in January, marking another momentous occasion for Chicago sports history.