Sparks re-sign forward Candace Parker
Sparks forward Candace Parker looks to pass during a playoff game last summer against Minnesota.
The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed All-Star forward Candace Parker, although the team did not disclose terms of the contract when making the announcement Thursday afternoon.
The two-time WNBA most valuable player averaged 19.4 points and 10.1 rebounds in 16 games last season, when she sat out 17 games at the start of the season to rest after playing overseas.
“Having Candace back in a Sparks uniform is very exciting for everyone, as she is one of the top basketball talents in the world,” Sparks Coach Brian Agler said in a statement released by the team.
“Candace was a huge impact on the Sparks turnaround in 2015. She works very hard at the game of basketball and is very influential within our team dynamics. Candace is the most versatile player in the WNBA and I am confident Candace will continue to grow due to her love of the game and incredible work ethic.”
The 6-foot-4 forward has career averages of 17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists in eight WNBA seasons, all with the Sparks.
Parker, who turns 30 in April, was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008 and became the first WNBA player to win MVP and rookie of the year. The two-time Olympic champion has played with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia’s Premier League since 2010.
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