Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

Candace Parker reveals how much longer she wants to play in the WNBA | Draymond Green Show

31 Mar 2023 · 4 min

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In this interview segment from The Draymond Green Show, host Draymond Green asks WNBA legend Candace Parker about how much longer she intends to play. Parker explains that she will continue playing until she can no longer train or prepare at the level she expects of herself, emphasizing that she will not "cheat the game" by playing beyond her capabilities. She acknowledges that most of her basketball career lies behind her and that she is learning to enjoy the daily grind. The conversation then shifts to family considerations: Parker discusses her daughter Layla, who is entering high school and excels at volleyball, and her desire to be fully present for both Layla and her son. She notes that playing into her 40s would likely mean a significant pay cut, which she does not find worthwhile. Green shares his own goal of reaching 15 NBA seasons, describing it as his "magic number," and reflects on how a demanding basketball schedule limits personal aspirations such as traveling to Australia or Dubai. Both guests express a shared sentiment that life outside of basketball—family time, travel, and personal fulfillment—holds increasing importance as they contemplate the later stages of their careers.

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How much longer do I get to appreciate your game and what you're doing? See, I came in the league and I've been able to do what I do. And quite frankly, you did way more. And all of that, everybody talk about like the point forward position. You've been doing that since I can remember watching you play basketball. And like the brain, the smarts, rebound and blocking shots. Like shooting the 3, leading the break, setting up the offense. Like you're someone that I watched and like how much longer do I get to enjoy you playing?
Well, here's the thing. I always said it's gonna be in the off season that I know, you know, I think when I can't prepare and train the way that I, know that I should, I'm not gonna cheat the game. And I've said that from the get-go. I will not cheat the game. I will not be one of those players where you like, "Candace?" Like, it's not gonna happen. So I will say it is coming to that point. I'm also not a big, like, go to half court and get every— I'm not gonna do that.
Yeah.
But I'll know. And I will say there's way more basketball behind me than in front of me. And it's coming. But I'm learning to enjoy the process that much more, you know? I mean, I'm enjoying the daily grind that much more, so.
Is Layla ready for you to be done?
That's a really good question. She was all for this Vegas move because baby girl's followed me everywhere in the world, right? She starts high school next year. Pretty damn good volleyball player, to be honest. Don't tell her I said that.
Don't tell her.
But she decided to do volleyball, she could do it. And it's time for me to choose her. If I'm still playing, it's still gotta be about her now. You know, she's followed me around long enough. And so, like I said, I think it would be great to be able to be at home and be 100% present for her and my son. You know? And so I'm not gonna be the one that's 40-something playing. It's just, it's not gonna work. And to be honest with you, Draymond, like maybe I'll be 40-something playing making $30 or $40 million, but I ain't gonna be 40-something playing making what we make.
Oh.
So.
I can dig that. I'll tell you what, I only, I mean, obviously we are fortunate enough to make more, but I got 4 more left in me.
Yeah.
I've all, 15 has always been my magic number. And it's like the closer I get to 15, I can agree with what you're saying. The more inspired I get to get to 15.
Right.
And like, I wanna get to 15 and God willing, I can get to 15. And after year 15, they like, yo, so, about this next deal and I can say, thank you, but no thank you. Like, 'cause—
There's power.
There's power in that. My kids, you know, like my kids, like I wanna go to Australia. I wanna go to Dubai. I can't go to Australia and Dubai because when it's the season to go there, we're in season. Like there are, and those are small examples, but like there's just so many things that I wanna do.— that a basketball schedule does not allow you to do.
Life.
And so I feel you.
Life.
I feel you. What's up everybody? It's Draymond Green. Make sure you subscribe to The Volume's YouTube channel below so you don't miss any more of this great content going forward.