After 13 years with the Los Angeles Sparks, Candace Parker will head home to Chicago to play for the Chicago Sky. The deal can not become official till Monday, when free agents are allowed to sign contracts.
With Parker going to Chicago, the Sky will look to make a championship run. Chicago already has a good roster with Diamond DeShields, Courtney Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Kahleah Copper, Azura Stevens, and more. Adding Parker to the mix will be huge for Chicago.
Parker is coming off a great year, averaging 14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. The forward also shot 51% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. But Parker was a beast on the defensive end; she won the Defensive Player of the Year. The 34-year-old averaged 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals while finishing third in defensive win shares (1.8); Parker’s 96.3 defensive rating was also her best since 2017.
For Chicago, Parker will bring versatility on the offensive end; The former first pick of the draft can do many things offensively for Chicago. Parker can handle the ball in pick-n-roll situations, score in the post, and knows how to move without the basketball. She also knows how to get her teammates involved as well.
When Vandersloot is resting, Parker could take over the ball handing duties; Chicago struggled with that last year. But Parker’s significant asset will be on the defensive end.
Candace Parker will definitely upgrade Chicago’s defense. She is good at switching out on the pick-n-roll, and Parker is outstanding at taking charges. Her length and basketball IQ make her an excellent defender. Parker finished the defensive play by grabbing the rebound, and she can push tempo once she secures the rebound. With Parker pushing the tempo, it will open up shots for Quigley and DeShields on the wing.
Chicago being able to land Parker was an outstanding signing; she will be a terrific player on both sides of the floor and make Chicago a championship contender.
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