What’s up with Chamique?
Is this really it? Adrienne Goodson weighs in.
SLAM has a long history with Chamique Holdsclaw, but that doesn’t mean we understand her decision-making process. We asked our WNBA expert, former W All-Star Adrienne Goodson, to give her take on today’s news.
Chamique has been the biggest reason for the Sparks’ success (3-2 even without Lisa Leslie) so far this season. Holdsclaw averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in those five games, leading the team in points, free throws made and throughout her career ranked in the top three in the league for points, minutes, and field goals. I can go on and on with the never-ending accomplishments of her short-lived career in the WNBA, not to mention Tennessee. From the streets of Queens to UT to DC to East LA, Chamique has held it down.
I spoke to her via email in March, and I remember her words. She asked how I was doing and that my presence in the league was missed. We chatted back and forth about what we are doing these days and I reminded her that I would be looking out for her this season and for her to hold it down. I was so proud of how she was playing. I felt like my words had somehow helped. I mentioned her a few times before the season as someone to watch this year, so I was just as shocked as the next man when I heard about this. The first thing I said was, “Why?”. Then I looked at it from another angle.
Here she is, not even 30 years old and was a three time NCAA champion, SLAM cover subject in ‘98, the No. 1 Draft pick and Rookie of the Year in ‘99, scoring champion in ‘02, Six time WNBA All-Star, Honorable Mention WNBA All-Decade Team and Gold Medalist. What else is there to accomplish? Not much more to strive for, is there?
I said that I wanted to retire when I felt like there was nothing else left for me to gain and when the desire to play was gone. This is a process that is unique for each individual. Who knows when their gonna reach that point? That place of silence as you stand there at the fork in the road and destiny calls you off in another direction. Another place that I’m sure she will have just as much success. It’s inevitable.
The team is obviously devastated by the news. Chamique was having an All-Star season and just like every other Holdsclaw fan I’m lost and searching for answers. Answers that will not manifest right away. There wasn’t much of a statement made by League, Team or Chamique and it’s probably best right now.
“This was not an easy decision,” Holdsclaw said in the WNBA News. “I put a lot of thought into it. I am very grateful for the career I have enjoyed in amateur and professional basketball and will take many fond memories with me. What I will miss most are my teammates and the great friendships I have developed through the years and the fans from arena to arena that have supported me. I want to wish the Sparks great success this season and in the years ahead.”
The Sparks are trying to figure out how to regroup and the WNBA just took another blow but throughout it all it remains to be a business and that’s how the ol’ ball bounces sometimes. Although most non-believers believe this is a setback, the WNBA will continue to reconstruct and build upon its solid foundation and LaToya Thomas now gets her playing time back, only this time in a Sparks’ jersey.
Chamique Holdsclaw, you will be truly missed but we carry on. Good luck my diva in the next phase of your life. We will see each other soon. I’m sure of it.
26 Responses to “What’s up with Chamique?”
Jun.12 at 7:25 pm
Eoin says:
Grammatical/spelling errors…sad and weird story though.
Jun.12 at 7:37 pm
KMG says:
Clearly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I have fond memories of that SLAM cover…she could suit up for the Knicks today, and most likely be the best player on the team.
Jun.12 at 8:00 pm
Dre says:
You used the wrong form of ‘Their’- should be “they’re” in the 4th paragraph.
Jun.12 at 8:10 pm
Caputo says:
Christ the King girl. I feel bad.
Jun.12 at 9:38 pm
Chris says:
Sad to see her retire so soon, but why are people acting like she’s dying? Maybe this is something she feels is best for her. I appreciate that you were one of the few people to acknowledge: “I said that I wanted to retire when I felt like there was nothing else left for me to gain and when the desire to play was gone. This is a process that is unique for each individual. Who knows when their gonna reach that point?” That should be forwarded to every writer, commentator and fan speculating on why Chamique made the decision she made. Best of luck to her. I enjoyed watching her play and from the few encounters we had, she seemed like a down to earth person.
Jun.12 at 10:28 pm
Esco says:
What’s up with people coming and just saying, “you made this and that mistake in this and that paragraph”??? Just enjoy the article for what it is, don’t go around looking for grammatical errors. Everybody makes mistakes…
Jun.12 at 10:30 pm
winkle man says:
Poorly written and devoid of insight.
Jun.12 at 11:24 pm
Butch says:
It seems like we are losing so many of our superstars way too soon. Chamique, what can I
say, such a WNBA superstar and fan favorite.
I know L.A. and the league will miss her and
her exciting style of play. I think I speak for
many of her fans, and wish her all the very best in her future endevors.
Good Luck and God Bless.
Jun.13 at 4:18 am
Gambino says:
But will she do a michael jordan and come back in a few years to lead her team again
Jun.13 at 5:42 am
David says:
That’s what i was thinking - maybe she’ll have a change of heart.
Jun.13 at 7:58 am
Kevin says:
My main problem with the article was that it asked what Chamique has left to aim for?
How about actually winning a WNBA championship?
Jun.13 at 8:50 am
Goody says:
Chamique is done with basketball. There is no insight into this. To those of you looking for something keep searching. Those who lack wisdom need to have everything explained to them. Those who don’t get the picture. How bout we make something up? Yeah! that sounds like a plan. Grammatical errors. He who is perfect please rise. Get a life haters. What’s mine is mine…………. Go find yours.
Jun.13 at 9:27 am
Richie says:
i like how the SLAM cover was mentioned among the list of accomplishments along with the championships and awards, awesome! In any case, there is always more to the story that only chamique knows of so Adrienne doesnt know much more than we do and can only speculate. I hope the best for Chamique in her retirement.
Jun.13 at 9:55 am
dez says:
What’s the WNBA? Sounds as exciting as the NBA Finals.
Jun.13 at 11:51 am
Blackberry says:
Why don’t we just let Chamique enjoy her life and be grateful for what she gave to the game. Thank you Chamique you will be missed! for those who are worried about grammatical errors, what magazine are you writing for and do you even know who Chamique is? Also maybe the WNBA championship doesn’t mean anything if your heaart isn’t in the game. darn I mispelled a word and didn’t capitilize the first word of my sentence! Keep up the good work Goody!
Jun.13 at 12:09 pm
RockPusha says:
ditto Kevin….
Jun.13 at 12:29 pm
PUmatty says:
So she is tired and playing and wants to move on. Fine. But then why sign a contract to play with a team who is down a superstar and planning their season around you? Think the Sparks would have gone after some more free agents? Think that might have affected their choice to trade for Taj? Think that might have made a difference as to who was in camp and who made the team? There is such a thing as commitments and responsibility. Holdsclaw has shown not only only how much respect she has for those two things, but for her teammates and fans as well. The problem isn’t that she left, it’s how she did it. Yet, somehow, according to most, she is immune to that criticism.
Jun.13 at 12:37 pm
Kat says:
Why does it seem like fans of the WNBA need to know everything?? This is a business, and 99% of the time in a business, you never really know why they made the decisions they made. I love the league, but I get tired of everyone acting like they’re entitled to know every single tidbit of information; or half of them acting like they’re privy to something they’re not. Or even better, acting like they actually know the player on a personal level just because they are a fan. Good work, Goody.
Jun.13 at 1:09 pm
illydiva says:
I agree with PUmatty. I understand getting burned out, wanting to move on, etc. and everyone is free to quit his job whenever he pleases (contract or no); but as a teammate in a job that relies on teaming, how do you do this to your teammates, coaches and fans, (friends)…especially when you’re already down a star and so abruptly? I don’t know Chamique personally, and maybe she is such a wonderful person she is above question; but I’d be salty if I were a member of the Sparks that she did this the way she did and I might find it difficult to be her friend for a minute too.
Jun.13 at 2:05 pm
CamrnCrz1974 says:
The only problem is the way it was handled. She has left a team in the middle of the season with no advanced notice…twice.
Jun.13 at 3:01 pm
Slovydal says:
Thank you Chamique for so many great experiences watching you play. And thank you Goodie, for having the courage to speak with a sense of understanding that Chamique’s life is just that - HER life.
Jun.13 at 3:25 pm
Rob Right says:
She plays pro ball in Europe during the regular season. Is she retiring from that too, or just from the WNBA?
Jun.13 at 11:04 pm
Uknow11 says:
Another good player out the door opening another for the next. She’ll be missed. Yo Goody thanx for the info. without you I’ll be lost . Keep your feet to the street and your ear tilted to the left . Muuuch luv. Uknow
Jun.22 at 4:04 pm
"Bootie Butt" says:
Every human being should make decisions that will make them happy. Ms. Holdscaw has clearly reached a point in her life, where basketball is no longer as important, or probably just tired of the way the women are dealt with in the WNBA. Know that she will be remembered and written about in history for all her achievements.
Jun.28 at 3:08 am
Smoov says:
Passion makes things happen which would otherwise be considered impossible. Passion can overcome obstacles which long ago would have stopped mere interest or resolve. Those who are passionate about what they do have an advantage that is nearly impossible to overcome. In passion there is energy, creativity, resilience and persistence. Passion will get it done. When the passion is gone, it time to move on. Best wishes to Mique
~Smoov
Aug.17 at 5:50 pm
Goody says:
Mique is fine and will be playing out a phat contract in the next few years in Poland. Overseas still continues to be the move for us all.