Few players impacted basketball — women's basketball especially, but the game overall — like Candace Parker. Which made her an easy call for the Hall of Fame.
Congrats to Class of 2026 @Hoophall inductee, Candace Parker! pic.twitter.com/ZFxvP5KfyX — NBA (@NBA) August 16, 2026
Parker was a two-time NCAA national champion at Tennessee, was drafted No. 1 in 2008, and became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She went on to be a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP (2008, 2013). Parker also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012). In her induction speech, Parker talked about how her journey started with her father.
The man that planted the seed Candace Parker shares the story on how her dad positioned her at point guard, forever changing the game. 2026 Naismith Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony | @NBATVpic.twitter.com/sTrErrbPyZ — WNBA (@WNBA) August 16, 2026
Parker also gave a big shout-out to Allen Iverson.
"In '97, my brother got drafted and traded on Draft night to the Sixers." -throws basketball to Allen Iverson- "And this guy right here became his teammate... the dominance and the impact he has is still felt today... I am sorry I am blown away by you having a suit that has… pic.twitter.com/5PiLZ2t03K — NBA (@NBA) August 16, 2026
She also talked about being part of the fabric of the game — learning lessons from Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and passing them on to future Hall of Famer A'Ja Wilson.
Whether Candace was a rookie or a vet, the momentum was always there Candace Parker speaks on the impact of the early days with Lisa Leslie, and passing the torch to A'ja Wilson. 2026 Naismith Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony | @NBATVpic.twitter.com/2rDaxn2pKD — WNBA (@WNBA) August 16, 2026