Las Vegas Aces forward/center Candace Parker is facing an indefinite absence from the team after undergoing successful surgery on a foot fracture. The news has raised concerns about the impact of Parker’s injury on the Aces’ performance. However, the team has shown resilience in the past and has capable players to fill the void left by Parker’s absence.
Parker had been playing with the fracture throughout the season but decided to undergo surgery after consulting with doctors. She expressed on social media that surgery was the only option for her to regain her health and that she would work towards a speedy recovery. The two-time WNBA MVP has been averaging 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 18 games this season.
The Aces heavily relied on their starters, including Parker, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young, during the first half of the season. This lineup played a league-leading 239 minutes together and had an impressive plus-23.9 net rating. Parker’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially on the defensive end, where the Aces have shown significant improvement compared to the previous season.
Despite the setback, the Aces have depth in their roster and have proven their ability to succeed even without Parker. In previous seasons, they comfortably inserted Kiah Stokes at center in Parker’s absence. Alysha Clark also provides versatility as a forward, while veteran Australian center Cayla George is expected to see increased playing time. The Aces won last year’s championship without Parker in the lineup, indicating that they can still be considered favorites as the second half of the season begins.
Parker joined the Aces as a free agent in January after spending two seasons with the Chicago Sky. The 37-year-old veteran is currently playing in her 16th WNBA season. She was drafted as the No. 1 pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008 and spent the first 13 seasons of her career with the team. Parker achieved numerous accolades, including winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She led the Sparks to a WNBA championship in 2016 and added a second title with the Sky in 2021.
The Aces currently hold the top spot in the 2023 WNBA standings with a remarkable 21-2 record, four games ahead of the Liberty and Sun. Despite Parker’s absence, the team has displayed exceptional performance and will aim to maintain their dominance in the league.
In conclusion, Candace Parker’s injury is undoubtedly a blow to the Las Vegas Aces. However, the team has proven its resilience and depth in previous seasons, including winning a championship without Parker. With capable players ready to step up and an impressive record so far this season, the Aces remain strong contenders in the WNBA. As Parker works towards her recovery, the team will continue to strive for success and maintain their position at the top of the standings.