“Retire in Peace”: A’ja Wilson Joins Other Aces Teammates in a Peculiar Farewell Organized for Candace Parker

Candace Parker’s sudden retirement from the WNBA came as a shock to the entire world. Not only did the fresh faces of the professional women’s basketball league idolize the 2x Finals MVP, but Parker’s peers also loved her. In her 16-seasons-long pro league career, the recently turned 38 hooper has achieved great heights. Many also consider her one of the greatest to ever step on the WNBA floor. And while many sent their love to the mother of two and greetings for a post-retirement life, her team, the Las Vegas Aces, went for a rather crazy farewell plan.

A’ja Wilson shared a story with her 872,000 Instagram followers, showing how the back-to-back WNBA champs said goodbye to their “beloved” Candace Parker. Since the GOAT is no longer with them, the Aces arranged a memorial service for her jersey. Wilson captioned her Instagram story, “Your game will truly be missed. Retire in peace. We love you.”

Her teammates Kierstan Bell, Alysha Clark, Chelsea Gray, and Sydney Colson posted a video of the same on their social platforms. Colson’s caption read, “Retire In Peace @candaceparker 🖤❤️” with Jay-Z’s song Cry playing in the background. In the video, the teammates are presenting things that define Parker for them. The superstar’s No. 3 jersey also hung on the wall with candles on the floor.

The sarcastic ritual of sending off a legend surely shows how unserious the Aces roster can be outside the lines. However, on the court, they are anything but business. And Parker had something to do with it.

Candace Parker has “earned it”

Candace Parker transferred from Chicago to Las Vegas and helped them win the second of their back-to-back championships last year. Las Vegas President Nikki Fargas celebrated Candace Parker and her experience with the 7x All-Star. Speaking to NBA TV, she said, “I don’t think people give enough credit to her. She is a unicorn in this game. To have a 6-ft-4 player that can play every position one through five and she makes everybody around her better. Her true gift is being so unselfish. Her legacy and what she’s meant to this game, no one can ever take that away from her because she’s earned it every time she’s stepped on the floor.”

Becoming the only female hooper to win a championship with three teams, Parker has undeniably created a legacy like none other. And while her journey as an active player is over, she has more promises to this sport, including ownership of a team. It was truly an era of greatness to witness a humble off-the-court and positionless player on the court, such as Candace Parker. But the Aces had a surreal way to bid her adieu and give flowers to the legend.