Candace Parker pens emotional message after undergoing surgery: "I can struggle with stuff, but still find joy"

By Nandjee Ranjan

Modified Oct 04, 2024 18:13 GMT

WNBA great Candace Parker went through foot surgery earlier today. The former LA Sparks star took to her social media to give updates about her medical procedure. She also posted a series of snaps from the surgery, including one with her daughter sitting by her side.

However, what stood out in the post was Parker's emotional and inspiring message that she penned in the caption. The three-time WNBA champion expressed her joy at being a mother and her great delight in seeing her kids go through their activities.

"Things are always fluctuating and changing even when you have to pretty much do the same thing AGAIN…. 2nd 'revision' surgery was a success so far…. 🤞🏽 It’s crazy, last time around I was rehabbing to possibly come back, now I’m rehabbing to just be able to play with my kiddos. Added 1 more to the mix and with three now, it feels so GOOD!

"How can I be sad when little Hartt is smiling, laughing, and doing all these firsts. Life keeps moving and I want to always work towards joy. I’m SO LUCKY. I turn my head and see my huge orange cast, but I turn the other way and see my son screaming 'Kobe' while shooting hoops and getting buckets and my daughter putting it down in volleyball. I choose to turn my focus THAT WAY! How can I not be happy!?"

She also spoke about the WNBA playoffs and her struggles to adjust to no longer being on court:

"Truth is, I finally was able to turn on the tube and watch the WNBA again … for a while I was gutted. I miss the game SO MUCH, but I also can’t stay away from it. I’ve watched the playoff games on repeat, asking myself what adjustments I would make as a player, a coach and a broadcaster. Anya laughs because I have notes written down…. Like I’m game planning! I can struggle with stuff, but still find joy in it differently. Perspective is key in everything and I’m trying to balance that. Preciate my people❤️🤞🏽."

Candace Parker retired from WNBA basketball after last season. Injury was the main reason behind her retirement from the sports. In 16 years in the WNBA, Parker won three titles and played with the LA Sparks, Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces.

Candace Parker says she is the real CP3 over Chris Paul in Los Angeles

There is something common between Candace Parker and Chris Paul in Basketball-reference.com; both players have identical nicknames. CP3 as a nickname has been mentioned on both Parker and Paul's profiles.

However, when it comes to choosing the real CP3, Parker is taking herself over the NBA star. In a conversation with Parker, when Flau'jae Johnson, the basketball star from LSU, asked Parker who the real CP3 was, Parker chose herself over the former LA Clippers star.

The former WNBA star confidently said that she came to LA first and that is why she owns the nickname. Candace Parker also added that she frequently jokes about the title with Paul.

"Come on now. First of all, I was in [Los Angeles] first," Parker said. "I guess that's not a question for me, that's a question for everybody else. 'When you think of CP3...' Yeah but I own it. I own it. We joke a lot about it."

Candace Parker was drafted by the LA Sparks in the 2008 WNBA Draft. Her debut in the WNBA was an instant hit, as she took the league by storm. Parker won the WNBA MVP award in her rookie season with the Sparks.

While she was with the Sparks, Parker won many team as well as individual accolades, including a WNBA title in 2016. Parker won two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year Award and a Rookie of the Year Award.

Chris Paul played six seasons with the Clippers in his illustrious career. He never won a championship with the team. As a Clipper, Paul led the league in steals three times and assists twice.