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Michael Voepel
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Kevin Pelton
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Kevin Pelton
ESPN Senior Writer
- Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
- Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
- Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system
Candace Parker was one of the biggest names in basketball for the past two decades: a high school star to a Tennessee Lady Vols legend to a two-time MVP and three-time champion in the WNBA.
When Parker announced her retirement Sunday, it ended a career defined not just by titles and awards, but by influence.
At 6-foot-4, she could handle the ball like a guard and could create her own transition opportunities, and the way she played impacted the next generation, as players modeled their game after her. Two-time MVP A’ja Wilson has credited Parker as one of her primary inspirations.
The two spent only a brief time on court as teammates with the Las Vegas Aces last year, as Parker missed the second half of the season because of injury. But Wilson talked about what a thrill it was to play alongside an iconic competitor who showed just how versatile and creative a…
