Candace Parker describes Hall of Fame induction as ‘genuinely significant’

PHOENIX — Candace Parker admired Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team during her childhood.

This year, she and Elena Delle Donne will be inducted alongside them into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I am thrilled for Chamique and delighted that she is receiving the recognition she deserves,” Parker stated to The Associated Press. “Elena Delle Donne and I have always competed against each other, and the ’96 team has been a source of inspiration for us all. It is genuinely special.”

Parker expressed her pride in being part of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, which also features Amar’e Stoudemire, Mike D’Antoni, Joey Crawford, Doc Rivers, and Mark Few.

<p"It holds immense significance for me to be included among individuals I have long admired and who have paved the way. I find it incredibly special," Parker remarked.

Parker has secured three WNBA championships with three different teams: Los Angeles, Chicago, and Las Vegas. She is the only player in league history to achieve both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.

Additionally, she claimed two championships while playing for Tennessee under Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt, along with two Olympic gold medals and two WNBA MVP honors.

Holdsclaw mentioned that she had posters of members from the 1996 Olympic team, which initiated a streak of eight consecutive gold medals for women’s basketball and contributed to the establishment of the WNBA.

“I have pictures of four or five players from that team at my home, including Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley, and Teresa Edwards,” Holdsclaw noted.

Holdsclaw achieved three consecutive championships at Tennessee from 1996 to ’98, marking the first team to do so. The 1998 title was notable for being Tennessee’s first undefeated season at 39-0, and the Vols also set an NCAA record for the most wins in a season at that time. Parker assisted Summitt in securing her final two titles in 2007-08.

“She would be immensely proud right now,” Holdsclaw said regarding her former coach. “I know she cherished us both.”

Holdsclaw enjoyed an 11-year career in the WNBA. The 1996 team played a crucial role in the establishment of both the WNBA and the now-defunct ABL. The Americans went undefeated at the Atlanta Games, and the interest generated by their barnstorming tour across the U.S. prior to the Olympics captivated fans nationwide.

“The ’96 Olympic team was an extraordinary group of women on a mission who successfully accomplished their goals,” coach Tara VanDerveer commented. “It helped lay the groundwork for the ABL and the WNBA, serving as the catalyst for the current landscape of women’s basketball. This is an exciting moment for all the players and coaches involved.”

Delle Donne earned two league MVP awards in 2015 and 2019, the latter occurring when she led the Washington Mystics to their only WNBA championship. Delle Donne made history as the first player in the league to achieve over 50% shooting from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line.

Stoudemire, the sole NBA player in this year’s class, was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and was a six-time All-Star. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Phoenix Suns, where he played alongside D’Antoni.

“From a basketball perspective, it means everything,” Stoudemire told the AP. “Reflecting on my career, not just as a professional but also during high school and nationally, I have always loved the game. You play because of your passion, and you strive to be the best you can be, regardless of the circumstances. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame signifies that the voters recognize that effort. Now, we are honored forever.”

Rivers has accumulated 1,180 wins, ranking him eighth on the all-time victories list. He guided the Boston Celtics to the NBA championship in 2008 and also coached the LA Clippers during their Lob City era.

Few has achieved 773 wins at Gonzaga throughout his tenure at the institution. He set the NCAA Division I men’s coaching record by winning 81 games in his first three years at the school. Few led the Bulldogs to the national championship game in both 2017 and 2021.

Crawford officiated 2,561 regular-season NBA games and 50 Finals games over his 39-year career before retiring in 2016.

D’Antoni made a significant impact on the sport with his fast-paced philosophy that transformed offensive strategies. He recorded nearly 1,200 career wins and was named NBA Coach of the Year twice.

The Hall of Fame recognized members of the Hall of Fame class for the first time during the women’s Final Four on Friday night. Parker, Holdsclaw, and members of the 1996 Olympic team were present, along with Stoudemire and D’Antoni.

The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to occur in August at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.