Candace Parker’s homecoming seems to be getting off to a smooth start.
The forward, who has played her entire 13-season career up to this point with the Los Angeles Sparks, signed a two-year deal with the Chicago Sky in the offseason. For Parker, who grew up in Naperville, Ill., it was a return to the city where her basketball career began. For the Sky, it had the makings of the start of a new era.
And when it comes to Parker’s chemistry with new teammate Diamond DeShields, a 2019 All-Star, the future already looks bright for the Sky, who are chasing their first WNBA championship.
“I don’t think she realized how talented she really is,” Parker said in a press conference Monday. “Defensively, we could disrupt some people.”
😎@diamonddoesit1 X @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/Kj8P2qbglq— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) May 2, 2021
😎@diamonddoesit1 X @Candace_Parker pic.twitter.com/Kj8P2qbglq
Of course, DeShields was quick to point out on Twitter just how long Parker has been in the league.
I’ll do you one better ... when I was in SIXTH GRADE, u were a rookie and it was also the first year ATL started the franchise. And so me and my aau team went and watched YOU play 😂😂😂😂 aight I’m done .— Diamond DeShields (@diamonddoesit1) May 4, 2021
I’ll do you one better ... when I was in SIXTH GRADE, u were a rookie and it was also the first year ATL started the franchise. And so me and my aau team went and watched YOU play 😂😂😂😂 aight I’m done .
Parker didn’t help her case by then comparing the age differences between her and her teammates to that of her 11-year-old daughter Lailaa.
When you realize some of your teammates are closer to your daughters age than yours 😩😩😩😩😩😩😂😂😂😂🤯— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) May 4, 2021
When you realize some of your teammates are closer to your daughters age than yours 😩😩😩😩😩😩😂😂😂😂🤯
Parker begins her journey with the Sky against the Mystics on Saturday, May 15 in the team’s season opener.