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3 reasons to be excited about Candace Parker’s return to the Chicago Sky

By Zackery Rogers

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 02: Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky reacts against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on August 02, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 02: Candace Parker #3 of the Chicago Sky reacts against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on August 02, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Last month, Candace Parker announced that she will be returning for her 16th year in the league. Here’s why Sky fans should be over the moon.

The 2022 season for the Chicago Sky ended when they were bounced in the semifinals. This after winning the WNBA title in 2021.

The news that Candace Parker is returning and looking for one more title for Chicago is huge. The franchise was founded in 2005 and has won just one championship (2021) and one conference title (2014). Bringing Parker back places the Sky back in contention for another WNBA championship.

She is a two-time MVP, seven-time All-Star, and a WNBA champion. The Sky should be excited about Parker’s return considering the current construction of their roster.

Once teams are able to negotiate with players on January 21st in preparation for free agency on February 1st, Chicago will have their hands full. The Sky needs to prioritize re-signing Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, Emma Meesseman, Azura Stevens, and Allie Quigley.

Most likely, the team will retain its core players. Assuming that Chicago re-signs their nucleus, here are three reasons why Chicago could chase another title with Parker.

3. Candace Parker is cool under pressure

Prior to Parker signing with Chicago in 2021, the Sky suffered two embarrassing playoff exits in 2019 and 2020 due to poor late-game execution. Parker helps this team stick together no matter the circumstances in a game. Often times if the Sky get flustered, the Tennessee product will call a quick huddle.

Parker was the No.1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft and she received the opportunity to learn under Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie. Leslie played 12 seasons in the league and won two championships (2001,2002).

Parker won her first WNBA championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016 against the Minnesota Lynx. Playing under the late Pat Summitt and Brian Agler taught her how to operate in late-game situations. No matter the game situation, the two-time MVP has seen it all.

Surely, the Sky have already cleared the hurdle of winning a championship, but they still need a leader to push them through the biggest moments.

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