Dwyane Wade, one of the all-time basketball greats, has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, Wade, 41, expressed his gratitude to his father, Dwyane Wade Sr., who he credits for his success and dedication. Emotionally, Wade called his father to stand up from the crowd, thanking him for pushing him beyond his limits and being his motivation. He acknowledged that he owes his father a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
Wade Sr. and JoLinda Wade became proud parents when the NBA all-star was born in January 1982. Although Wade's parents separated during his childhood, Wade Sr. played a pivotal role in nurturing his son's passion for basketball. On Saturday, the renowned author, Dwyane, expressed his gratitude towards his father for his coaching, which transformed him into an unstoppable force on the court, despite occasionally getting ejected from games due to his overly enthusiastic reactions.
While I may have resented being called 'Little Dwyane' as a child, I deeply admired you. That admiration continues to this day," the former Miami Heat superstar proclaimed. "We shared the same dream and carry the same name: Dwyane Tyrone Wade. To think that we have both worked relentlessly to reach the Basketball Hall of Fame is nothing short of divine intervention. Therefore, Pops, I understand your knees may feel a bit tender, but will you do me the honor of joining me on stage as we rightfully ascend into basketball heaven?"
Wade's father, donning a vibrant green suit, accompanied his son onto the stage. "I cherish you and express my gratitude," Wade concluded his heartfelt message before they embraced. "We've made it to the Hall of Fame, my friend!"
Dwyane Wade Sr. and his son, Dwyane Wade, embraced each other in a heartfelt hug. The retired NBA star, Wade, was honored as one of the basketball legends to be inducted into the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts over the weekend.
"It is a prestigious accomplishment to be the first player in both Miami Heat and Marquette University basketball history to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," he expressed on Instagram earlier. "I deeply appreciate the incredible honor bestowed upon me by the Basketball Hall of Fame. Mom, we did it."
Accompanied by his wife Gabrielle Union, Wade donned a custom Versace suit and adorned himself with gold Tiffany & Co. rings. His father was also present at the event. As for his children, Wade has a 21-year-old son named Zaire, a 16-year-old daughter named Zaya from his previous marriage with Siohvaughn Funches, a 9-year-old son named Xavier from his relationship with Aja Metoyer, and a 4-year-old daughter named Kaavia with Union, who is 50 years old.
Zaire and Zaya couldn't hold back their emotions as their father was acknowledged by Wade Sr. "Hero. Congratulations, Dad," expressed Zaya through her Instagram Story on Saturday, while sharing the heartfelt moment.