"It's been a little bit of an adjustment," she said. "I'll play wherever coach wants me. I'm a little tired. Got to get my body right."
The only concern about Parker pertains to her health. She has had reconstructive surgery and a cleanup procedure on her left knee. She continues to wear a protective sleeve over the left shoulder she dislocated during the NCAA Tournament. Surgery remains possible.
"I'm going to watch her minutes," added Cooper, "but she's ready to go. She's the face of the league. It's right there for her."
Sparks rookie Candace Parker carries her game, and a burden