NBA Legend Derrick Rose Sends Heartfelt Message to Candace Parker During Chicago Sky Jersey Retirement Ceremony

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 10:09 PM ET

Monday was an emotional day for WNBA legend Candace Parker as she got her jersey retired by the Chicago Sky. The day was filled with events planned for Parker as well as messages given to her by some of the most meaningful people during her basketball journey.

Perhaps one of the most shocking developments of the evening was when former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose appeared on the jumbotron at the arena and gave a heartfelt message to Parker. It was a surreal moment for all involved as two of the most influential athletes in recent Chicago sports history shared a virtual interaction.

DRose with a message to Candace Parker during the last timeout. #Skytown pic.twitter.com/N8KpTZKtUw
— Chicago State of Mind Sports (@ChiStateOfMind_) August 26, 2025

In the video, Rose talked about making it down to Naperville to catch Parker in action a few times and spoke of the awe she left him in. This isn’t a unique sentiment as the two-time MVP elevated women’s basketball to heights never thought possible and inspired millions of young girls all around the nation.

The 39-year-old is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in WNBA history with a list of accomplishments longer than her massive six-foot-four frame. She was able to capture glory twice, winning two championships in her 16-year career to go along with seven All-Star appearances.

Now a regular on ESPN’s basketball talk shows, Parker was a trailblazer who paved the way for the national stars we see in the women’s game today like Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and the Sky’s own Angel Reese. It’s clear through Rose’s message that Parker had an impact on everyone who watched her play, not just women.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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