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 | @NBATV pic.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.