Candace Parker Makes Strong Statement Against the WNBA

Parker noted that a solution for this problem would be to expand the 13 teams' roster size from 11 to 15, like the NBA, which allows their teams to have up to 17 spots for players under two-way contracts.

The Indiana Fever recently witnessed this dilemma, who signed former No.3 overall pick and forward Aari McDonald to a hardship contract on Sunday, June 1. McDonald performed well in the two appearances she made for Indiana but will still be released once Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham return from their respective injuries to the 11-woman roster, proving Parker’s claim. 

“You're never going to be a perfect fit when you first come into the league,” she added. “It’s about getting better, and they need to make decisions for these ladies, which aren’t being made by the WNBA to give them the tools to succeed.”

Parker’s argument is considered valid by some and could be discussed more publicly if the WNBA wants to capitalize on and develop its large pool of young talent.

“I think the league will get better when player development is at the focal point, but with a roster [of] 11, you can’t practice with that,” she concluded. “The starters don’t practice in season, so you're not getting better with that, and to get better, you have to play.”