If you ask Candace Parker the best of her memories growing up in Chicago, one thing would top the charts more than the rest combined: orange ball. It was here that she had watched the Bulls in awe, here that she first played the game, and here that she fell in love with the sport. When life came a full circle decades later, Parker would say, “To my new teammates, my new organization, and my new fans: I’m home.” Only it wasn’t a full circle just yet. Where she embraced the team and led them to history, the city is now helping etch her’s.

It was just months ago when the WNBA star had her jersey retired by the Los Angeles Sparks. And now, 3 years after leaving the Sky, Candace Parker became only the 2nd ever former player of the team to receive this honor. She was honored in a halftime ceremony on Monday night that was attended by her family, her high school coach, and even her former teammates. The night was hers, and some of the closest parts of Parker’s professional career made that crystal clear through their tributes. Kahleah Copper was one among them.

Kicking off by saying how she “wouldn’t miss this day for anything,” Copper bestowed several monikers on Parker, including “Legend,” “Champ,” “GOAT,” and “Sugar Cookie.” Copper read out through her phone and added, “Today, we celebrate you. You gave this game everything. Your time, your body, your heart. You didn’t just play the game, you set records, you broke barriers, and you left your mark in ways stats can’t fully compare.” The 2021 WNBA champion credited her training techniques to Parker, and for giving her the ‘jerk gene’ as well.

“You deserve your flowers, every last one, for the greatness, for the grind, for the grace. Let them shower you in this love, dog,” said Copper. “Just know that your legacy is secure, and it lives in all of us who are lucky enough to play besides you. You have truly left the game better than you found it. I’m proud of you, I’m grateful for you, Im’ma always ride for you. Pinky promise. Love you forever, champ.”

While Candace Parker spent most of her career with the Los Angeles Sparks, she gave 2 years to the Sky. Therein, she played 55 games, started in all of them, averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, and led the team to its only championship back in 2021. Looks like the bonds formed then have also stayed with her, and strongly so. Because not only did Cooper fly all the way from Phoenix during the on going season and gave the heartfelt speech, but the denims Parker wore had images of her former squad’s members on them. But the admiration has extended beyond the teammates.

Michael Alter, the franchise’s minority owner, who had called Parker’s move to Chicago “a validating and exciting endorsement,” showed up for the event, giving the icon her props. Meanwhile, NBA legend Derrick Rose, who played for the Chicago Bulls for 8 years, sent Parker a heartfelt video message that was highlighted on the jumbotron at the Wintrust Arena.

Rose, who himself will get his jersey retired by the Bulls in the coming months, spoke about making it down to Naperville to catch Parker in action a few times, and about how she used to leave him in awe. It has resonated with enough people for Parker to be receiving the ultimate honor.

As ‘Chicago Tribune’ reporter Julia Poe said, “A legacy always stands stronger when it’s cemented at home”. Having spent her childhood growing up in Naperville, it went a long way for Parker now to be an important part of her hometown’s legacy, and she couldn’t help but be grateful.

Candace Parker Pays Tribute to Chicago In Her Jersey Retirement Speech: “It’s the core of who I am”

The impact that Candace Parker had created in the minds of the people of Chicago was reflected quite abundantly during her jersey retirement ceremony. Local celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and Common made courtside appearances, fans wore T-shirts decked out in depictions of Parker, and Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray pulled up wearing the jerseys from Parker’s Naperville Central High School days. All in an effort to show what Parker means to the Illinois city, and to the sport of basketball.

“Let me tell you what home is, okay? I made my first basket at Springfield Park. I dunked for the first time at Edward Health and Fitness Center. I came on the scene at Doug Bruno’s camps (I love it. I love it. I love it). Right. I watched Michael Jordan work out at Hoops the Gym,” said Parker. “I battled through adversity. Survived doubt. All because of the Midwest mindset”.

She concluded her speech, after thanking her wife and family, by stating, “My heart will always belong to the state of Illinois, the city of Naperville, and the city of Chicago. It’s not just where I’m from, but it’s the core of who I am, and that’s what home is. I really appreciate all of you all, and I’m so grateful for you. Thank you. Thank you”.

After the jersey retirements, an induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is all that remains to cement Parker’s legacy as a true GOAT.