“But it’s time.” Candace Parker sent shockwaves throughout the globe after announcing her retirement. A career lived to its potential and a range of accolades earned through hard work. No one would argue that the 3x WNBA champion has earned every ounce of the respect she got in her professional basketball career. However, was ending her career in haste the best of the ideas? Seems like she may be getting some jitters for her actions. So much so that she is finding ways to keep her game mode on and the competitive juices flowing even at home.

Game night with dominoes and board games was always a thing in the Parker household. But it was always different from what competing on the floor meant. Battling for a purpose and finding a way to lead the team always hit differently. But going against your own family and a pregnant wife can be quite costly.

Talking about playing on the in-house hoop with her wife Anna Petrakova with the People Magazine, the 7x All-Star star said, “I almost feel bad for my wife because last week we were playing horse, and I’m talking mess to a pregnant lady that’s almost about to deliver. And I’m like, ‘Well, you knew what you were doing when you stepped out here.’ It’s more so getting the competitive juices out.”

In her long Instagram post where she announced that she was stepping away, Parker assured her fans that she would return, but not as a player. So, with 16 seasons under her belt on the biggest stage of professional basketball, how has Candace Parker become the echoing name that she is?

The rare gem that the WNBA lost: Candace Parker

An idol to many, the Missouri-born hooper has visited many cities that she would now call home. Being drafted as the first overall pick in 2008, she spent a decade and a couple more years with her first team, the LA Sparks. She brought the Brian Agler-led team its last championship in 2016.

Moving to the Chicago Sky, she again brought a WNBA title home. And then again with the Aces last year. Parker became the only WNBA player to ever get a trophy with three franchises. She is also the only athlete in the W to win Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player in the same year, something people believe that Caitlin Clark has a high chance of repeating.

Seems like her latest interview with the magazine, which added her name to its 100 World’s Most Beautiful People back in 2007, is revealing the loss Parker believes her WNBA journey ending is. The legend left the sport because her recurring surgeries did not allow her to be herself on the court if she even played. Not to mention, she skipped almost half of the previous season with the Aces due to her injury.

While the fans may never see this beautiful soul in a uniform again, she has promised to own a team and stay in broadcasting. Giving a toast to her long run in the league and her family for supporting the GOAT no matter what.