Image courtesy of USA Today
The Las Vegas Aces are one of the WNBA’s top teams, and last season, their strength helped them win their first championship. Now, the Aces are even stronger.
Over the weekend, veteran forward Candace Parker announced her decision to sign with the Las Vegas Aces. Parker posted a lengthy post on Instagram thanking Chicago but also looking towards the future.
“When I made the decision to go to Chicago in 2021, I made the decision to go home and be with my family in the place where it all began. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to win a championship in my hometown and parade down the same streets I watched the Bulls parade down as a young girl first falling in love with the game of basketball.”
Parker also mentioned the importance of family, and being there for them contributed to this decision.
“I need to be there for my daughter, for my son, for my wife. I can’t be without them for parts of the season when Lailaa is in school and I won’t miss her volleyball games or school dances simply because of distance. Lailaa starts high school in August and I need to be there for her, just as she’s been there for me.”
“After evaluating the landscape together with my family, we’ve decided the Las Vegas Aces are the right organization for us at this point in our lives..”
Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals last season. Parker and the Chicago Sky reached the 2022 Semifinals but were eliminated by the Connecticut Sun. This came a season after the Sky won their first championship.
The WNBA’s free agency period officially begins on Feb. 1. Once it begins, Parker and the Aces can make it official.