Follow us on Google Discover WNBA legend Candace Parker’s speech was one of the highlights of the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony.
Parker retired from the WNBA three years ago as a three-time champion, two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star.
The 40-year-old recognised another two of the greatest female basketball players in her speech: Lisa Leslie and A’ja Wilson.
And Parker’s praise of Wilson coincided with the Las Vegas Aces star overtaking her in the all-time WNBA scoring charts.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesCandace Parker passes the torch to A’ja Wilson
Candace Parker spoke glowingly about her “full circle” moment, starting with playing alongside Lisa Leslie in her rookie season.
Parker then teamed up with three-time champion A’ja Wilson in the final season of her WNBA career with the Las Vegas Aces.
“Full circle. I came in as a rookie with Lisa Leslie and her greatness, unknowing how time has wings,” Parker said.
“Full circle. I came in as a rookie with Lisa Leslie and her greatness. … And I got to pass the torch to a GOAT in A’ja Wilson on the way out.”
—Candace Parker 🔥💪 pic.twitter.com/t7uLX6SDPs
— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2026
View Tweet
“And I got to pass the torch to a GOAT in A’ja Wilson on my way out.”
MORE CANDACE PARKER STORIES
On the same night as Parker’s Hall of Fame speech, Wilson scored 32 points in the Aces’ defeat to the Minnesota Lynx.
A’ja Wilson passes Candace Parker on the all-time scoring list 🚨
With 27 points and counting tonight, A’ja Wilson has passed Candace Parker for 11th place on the WNBA’s all-time regular-season scoring list.
MIN-LVA | CBS | Paramount+
Tap to watch: https://t.co/hcB9v4agpR pic.twitter.com/diKBpHsLLS
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 16, 2026
View Tweet
This meant that Wilson overtook her former teammate and became the 11th-highest scorer in WNBA history.
Wilson was already ahead of 16th-placed Lisa Leslie, while she will soon replace Breanna Stewart in the top 10.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox