WNBA Star Candace Parker Unveiled the Influence of Michael Jordan’s Bulls on Her Game, Years After Bringing Glory to Chicago Herself: “Set the Expectation Of…”

The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, dominated an entire decade and era of basketball. During their time in the league, the Bulls’ golden generation won six NBA titles and became some of the biggest sporting icons in the world. Naturally, they left a mark on the next generation who grew up watching their games. WNBA star Candace Parker happens to be one of the thousands of kids who idolized the Bulls team.

In a recent episode of The Volume podcast, Parker sat down with the host Draymond Green and discussed growing up in Chicago. Talking about the Bulls and their greatness, the former WNBA champion revealed how the team instilled a sense of competition in her.

Michael Jordan and the Bulls instilled competition in the WNBA champion

The Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan achieved a lot more than just six NBA titles. They brought in a wave of change in Chicago through their domination. Kids who grew up in Chicago during their time still take inspiration from the legendary team.

Take Candace Parker for example. She grew up in Illinois and her earliest memories revolve around watching the Bulls play and win. During a recent interview with Draymond Green, Parker revealed what it was like growing up in Chicago during that time.

She said, “They set the expectation of winning from the get-go like the Bulls won six championships. We moved to Naperville, Illinois when I was three. So we got there in 1989 and that was right before the Bulls started winning. My first memory were sitting down, watching WGN, watching Bulls games.”

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Similarly to Jordan, Parker brought a title to the city of Chicago. Along with Kahleah Cooper, she led the Chicago Sky, which is her hometown team, to their first-ever WNBA title in 2021.

An emotional Parker left her hometown after bringing them the ultimate glory

Not everything lasts forever and NBA dynasties are perfect examples of that. Similar to how Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s departure dismantled the Bulls, Parker’s exit also left a huge void in Chicago.

She joined the Las Vegas Aces as a free agent a few months ago. The two-time WNBA champion wanted to be closer to her family, which was the reason why she joined the Aces.

“While Chicago will always be my home, my family’s home is on the west coast,” wrote Parker on Instagram. Prior to her brief stint in Chicago, the 36-year-old had played for the Los Angeles Sparks for 13 seasons.

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What is your favorite memory of Candace Parker? Let us know in the comments down below.