Candace Parker Was in “Love” With This Michael Jordan’s Skill Set as Nostalgia Draws Parallels With NBA Legend

Candace Parker was 3 when she moved to Chicago with her family. And boy, did that leave some good memories. She’d grow up a Bulls’ fan alongside her brother, fangirl over Ron Harper, catch their games before the 3-peat run, take to heart the team’s impact on Chicago, and years later, earn the Michael Jordan comparisons herself. Now, she may have had Harper’s picture with her on the wall growing up, but looks like it is MJ’s game she studied.

Michael Jordan’s footwork, his deception, his signature ball fake—Parker soaked it all in. In a nostalgic Instagram post, she reflected on that influence: “#TBT Every hooper’s DREAM. Michael Jordan! Growing up I used to study his turnaround jumper, but his use of the ball fake was what I LOVED! 🎵 Like Mike if I could be like Mike 🎵.”

MJ’s ball fake isn’t just iconic—it’s legendary. So much so that NBA.com dedicated an entire playlist to it, while Reddit debates who mastered it best—Kobe or LeBron. While Kobe may own the pump fake title, MJ’s fakes are just as deadly and timeless. Enter Candace Parker, another player who’s absorbed that greatness.

To prove just how deep that inspiration ran, she posted a side-by-side clip—Jordan executing his signature ball fake and Parker flawlessly mirroring it, slicing through defenders for an easy bucket against Seattle Storm. Pretending to go for a pass back to the high post, Parker had successfullt duped Stephanie Talbot for 2 points. You wouldn’t expect any less of the MJ-admirer, who had garnered some comparisons as she entered the league.

“I wouldn’t mind being the female MJ. I want to have major crossover appeal,” she had said years ago. We leave the statistical data for someone else, but the rookie Parker had Tina Thompson admit she was drawing eyes and opening doors for female athletes unlike anyone before. Chicago Sun-Times had also run her picture when she was in 8th grade, setting expectations. But it wasn’t all talk no money.

Michael Cooper would compare her game to Kobe before she went on to amass over 6,500 career points, 3,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists. From Rookie of the Year in 2008 to WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020, Parker evolved into one of the most complete players.

Today, Parker’s influence extends far beyond the court. As a lead commentator for Unrivaled, a sharp basketball analyst, and the Vice President of Adidas Women’s Basketball, she’s shaping the future of the game. Her playing days may be over, but her impact? That’s just beginning.

Candace Parker calls out ESPN’s WNBA Rankings—but sees championship potential in Indiana

And she’s making sure her voice is heard. When ESPN’s 2025 WNBA rankings dropped, controversy erupted. A’ja Wilson at No. 1 made sense—but Caitlin Clark at No. 2, ahead of Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, raised eyebrows. These weren’t just stars; they were championship anchors. Yet, Clark—a rookie with undeniable talent but no postseason experience—was ranked above them.

Parker wasn’t having it. She reposted the list on her Instagram story with a sharp response: “I need the names of these fantasy experts.” It wasn’t about discrediting Clark—Parker has always recognized her talent. But jumping past two proven champions after just one year? That was up for debate.

Still, Parker didn’t just critique—she analyzed. On Unrivaled, she turned the spotlight to Indiana’s offseason moves. “Everybody’s talking about Atlanta and Phoenix, but Indiana should be in that conversation,” she said. The Fever added shooters, retained Kelsey Mitchell, and built around Clark in a way that could make them truly dangerous.

For Parker, Clark’s ranking was questionable—but Indiana’s potential? That was undeniable. Now, the Fever just have to prove her right.