Kahleah Copper honors Candace Parker at Chicago Sky jersey retirement ceremony

Copper and Parker were teammates from 2021 to 2022, winning a WNBA Championship in their first season together. Parker played in the WNBA for 16 seasons, announcing her official retirement in April 2024.

“I wouldn’t miss this day for anything, Candace,” Copper said in her speech, according to Front Office Sports Annie Costabile.

Parker was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks out of the University of Tennessee. She helped the team secure its third WNBA Championship in 2016 before signing with the Sky as a free agent in 2021.

After her time in Chicago, Parker spent her final season with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.

Parker is the only player in the league to have won three championships with three different teams: the Sparks, the Sky and the Aces.

“Just know that your legacy is secure,” Copper said. “And it lives in all of us who were lucky enough to play beside you. You have truly left the game better than you found it.”

According to the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe, Parker averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in her two seasons with the Sky.

“I’m proud of you, I’m grateful for you,” said Copper. “[I will] always ride for you, pinky promise. Love you forever, champ.”

Copper’s heartfelt speech celebrated Parker’s accomplishments, her impact on Chicago and her influence on those throughout her career.