After the Chicago Sky was eliminated in the second round of the 2019 WNBA playoffs and suffered a first round postseason exit in 2020, General Manager and Head Coach James Wade made it a point to address the team’s veteran presence and frontcourt depth.

During the offseason, a two-year contract with 13-year veteran, two-time MVP, reigning Defensive Player of the Year and WNBA champion Candace Parker was one deed that filled two needs.

“Having her on our side is a big difference, and it’s also a big difference for me,” Wade said.

“You look at what she’s accomplished and how much she has left in the tank. She looks good, like really good.” 

The skills that the 35-year-old Parker brings to Chicago are invaluable. On the court, she averaged 14.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season. Off the court, she possesses an otherworldly basketball IQ and steady leadership qualities. So while Parker may feel the outside noise and pressure surrounding the Sky this season, she certainly isn’t revealing her hand.

“When you come into new situations like this, I think the best thing to do is to just be yourself,” Parker said. “That’s what I try to do. I’m energetic, talkative and competitive. That’s what I bring to the court. Everyone’s done a really great job of communicating with me and just encouraging me to be myself.”

During the Sky’s training camp, Parker and her teammates worked hard to ensure these improvements will translate on the court. One of these teammates was guard Diamond DeShields, who said practicing alongside Parker “has been a joy.”

“It’s been everything that I’ve expected in terms of Parker being a leader and being vocal,” DeShields said. “She’s very patient with us and teaches us each and every chance she gets. It’s great to have somebody like that around.” 

Diamond DeShields

DeShields, like many of her teammates, has played with and against veterans like Parker. And while maybe age is just a number after all, most agree in-game experience matters. So this season, Parker figures to share some of the leadership responsibility with other experienced players like Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot, all who have been mentors for the younger players during training camp.

Whether it’s a rookie trying to make a name for herself or a seasoned veteran playing for the Sky this season, Wade said the team needs to embrace the journey ahead one step at a time.

“My life is the pressure and basketball is the easy part,” Wade said. “We are going to try to be the best team that we can be. I don’t look down the line as far as championships and what other people think. I am going to try to improve us as much as possible every day.”