Candace Parker had been an absolute legend of the game. Despite the WNBA as a product not much popular back then, she made some important contributions that led to today’s surge. But even after moving away from the court, Parker hasn’t stopped hanging around women’s basketball.
Unafraid to put forth her opinions, the 39-year-old recently supported the players in their quest for pay equity against the WNBA. However, in order to evolve the game further and take it to the next level, the 3-time WNBA champion stressed how criticism is a necessary aspect.
Candace Parker Welcomes Constructive Criticism In WNBA
The 2016 WNBA Finals MVP has never shied away from giving out blunt takes. For example, going against the popular hype, Parker stated how Azzi Fudd was better suited with the Minnesota Lynx. Doubling down on the need for more positive criticisms, the WNBA icon put forth her analysis on a recent episode of the ‘Post Moves With Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston.’
“I think to move the game forward, there’s got to be critique. I think for so long, women in sports that are covering it in media have had to uplift the game and sell it in so many ways. And now the product is speaking and holding its own,” said Parker.
"I think to move the game forward, there has to be critique!"
— Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) March 9, 2026
Candace Parker explains why critique should be part of the women’s basketball landscape 👏 pic.twitter.com/h6y0KORq5R
Explaining her stance on the same, the 2013 WNBA All-Star Game MVP stated that there was a thin line between active criticism and demoralizing the game. Giving examples, she pointed out how people debate over whether LeBron James is the NBA GOAT or Michael Jordan. But in doing so, one need not throw unnecessary shade at either player.
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Such a comment comes in at a crucial juncture for the WNBA. As the league struggles with its CBA stalemate, Annie Costabile recently faced the heat for one of her actions.
Annie Costabile Shares Candace Parker’s Post Following Heavy Backlash
Sometimes, fans direct hate even at the sport’s most respected voices. And that is exactly what transpired with Costabile. Ahead of Team USA’s FIBA campaign, Kelsey Plum met the press to answer their queries. But when a reporter asked her about CBA, she politely requested to focus on Team USA.
Despite the request, Costabile went ahead and asked about Plum’s recent letter to the league. Immediately, as the clip went viral, Costabile was shunned by the fans. Following the fiasco, the reporter shared Parker’s message about the critique.
Thus, with things looking a bit complex, fans would wait to see how things unfold.