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Expectations are always high for a son of a future hall of famer in any sport, and Zaire Wade was no exception. As the son of Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade, he often drew comparisons to his father but as the southpaw version. At 22 years old, Wade's basketball journey hasn't been as clear-cut as his father's, instead traveling around the world waiting for an NBA team to give him a chance.
Zaire Wade's rise to fame
Zaire Wade had all the makings of a future NBA star. He spent his freshman and sophomore year at American Heritage School in Florida where he averaged over 20 points. He was touted by scouts as a player who could score in different ways and had an above-average basketball IQ for his age. But just as his rise to fame began, it immediately faded when he transferred to Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles to team up with Bronny James.
On a team filled with talent, Wade struggled to secure any playing time. By the end of the season, he had dropped significantly in the national rankings, dropping to the 294th player in his class.
Despite the lack of exposure, Wade still received offers from schools like DePaul, Nebraska, and Rhode Island. However, he chose the unconventional path and declared for the G-League draft.
Zaire Wade's basketball journey takes him around the globe
In the 2021 G-league draft, Zaire Wade was selected with the tenth pick by the Salt Lake City Stars, the G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz which is also a team partially owned by his father. Given a fresh start to improve his skills and showcase his talent, Wade's time in the G-League didn't last long either. He averaged 4.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 13 games before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Once he recovered, Wade decided to take another unconventional path and took his talents to the Basketball Africa League to gain valuable experience and exposure. As of 2024, Wade now plays for the Macau Black Bears in the ASEAN Basketball League with the details of his contract still unknown.
If there's one thing about Zaire Wade's NBA journey, it hasn't been the easiest. However, his story is far from over. He might have stumbled in his first attempt to make the NBA, but time is on his side. At a young age, he still has the opportunity to refine his skills and potentially make a return to the NBA.
