High Post Hoops
Fansided

A consideration of and interview with Candace Parker, the WNBA’s favorite point-forward

By Arielle Chambers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 12: Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks before the game against the Dallas Wings on July 12, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 12: Candace Parker #3 of the Los Angeles Sparks before the game against the Dallas Wings on July 12, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Candace Parker is the visual depiction of well-roundedness. Her longevity and success on the court is something that must be respected, but her balance with family life and career extension is admirable.

Laila, Parker’s very animated, very adorable daughter is a star in her own right. She travels with the team and is as much a Sparks staple as her mother. “The [Sparks] have been so good about letting me take her with me,” Parker said.  Having Laila courtside at games motivates Parker. CP3 also jokingly told High Post Hoops Laila helps with recovery. “I put her to work,” Parker said about the mommy-daughter massage moments. Whatever it takes to preserve that body, Candace!

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images) /

Recently, Parker spent some of her off-season as an on-air analyst, and the world is thankful-particularly for her reactions on TBS during March Madness.  The transition from player to broadcaster will be seamless, if or when she decides, but again, judging from her performance this year, the full-time transition doesn’t seem to be coming any time soon.

Parker is one of the faces of the league with the ability to bridge the gap of respect shown the men’s game compared to the women’s game. All the critics out there who want to see women dunk, look no further. The search is not extensive, because it is an aspect of the game. Her game knowledge so respected, she has the trust of Kevin Garnett to talk basketball on his show, KG Arena.

(Photos by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photos by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Parker dove into pop culture quite naturally, and has capitalized on her own celebrity—something of which the WNBA needs more.  She graces red carpets, she clowns Kevin Hart in ice baths, she takes selfies with Drake (though we all know HE’S the one who’s a fan of HER).

But, before Drake hopped on the bandwagon, we were fans. We saw the Candace Parker in the University of Tennessee grow to the Candace Parker who is a huge part of the Los Angeles Sparks’ identity.

In a highly competitive year, the Sparks are solidly positioned; they are currently third in the league.  With Parker performing the way she is on both ends, and the depth of the Sparks roster, L.A. has every chance to win another title. High Post Hoops sat down with Parker and discussed her success and the success of her team. Check it out here:

We see you, Candace. You’re the real CP3.

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