Sons of legendary NBA stars are starting to create a space for themselves in the world of basketball. Bronny James joined his father at the Lakers after the draft this year while Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony is a four-star guard for his high school team. Another name that fans are keeping an eye on is Dwyane Wade’s son Zaire Wade and they are excited for the next chapter in his pro career.

Zaire Wade represented three different high schools playing basketball. He started his freshman year at Mount Carmel in Chicago, before playing for American Heritage School for two years. For his senior season, he ended his high school career at the acclaimed Sierra Canyon High School. Following this many colleges offered him scholarships, but he opted to turn pro and joined NBA G League.

He was the 10th pick in the 2021 G League draft by the Salt Lake City Stars. He played 12 games for one season, averaging 18 minutes per contest before suffering a season-ending knee injury last March. Having spent a season overseas in the Basketball Africa League, the 22-year-old is seeking redemption by entering the 2024 G League Draft on October 26!

As per an X post by NBACentral, Dwayne Wade’s son is planning “to enter the G-League draft!” However, neither the 22-year-old nor his father has issued any statement in this regard. Now, landing on a team should not be much of a task for Wade, considering he has already played in the league and his last name carries some weight.

Interestingly, this means Zairie could come up against Bronny James in the league. Although Bronny is signed to the Lakers, former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski noted in June that the franchise plans to develop LeBron James’s son with its G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, during his rookie season.

This arrangement means Bronny will spend most of the season in the G League while on an NBA contract. Hence, some fans were unhappy that Bronny got this treatment while claiming that Zaire Wade was better than him. Notably, the paths of both the young prospects crossed at Sierra Canyon, but since then they have gone in different directions.

Fans’ support for Zaire Wade, rapidly turns into Bronny James bashing

Bronny joined Sierra Canyon as a freshman where he was accompanied by his brother Bryce and incoming senior Zaire Wade. The sons of the legendary basketball players spent one season together and soon went on to take different paths. Zaire joined the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, before joining the NBA G-League.

As for Bronny, after finishing his high school career, he joined USC and spent a season there before declaring himself for the 2024 NBA Draft. Notably, James averaged 8.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game at the Summer League in Las Vegas while, Zaire last played for BAL’s Cape Town Tigers, averaging 9.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 4 games. This led to one X user writing, “This is sad because Bronny made the NBA when Zaire Wade is easily better than him.”

Bronny being picked in the draft and being slated to play in the G League while on an NBA contract, could have a lot to do with his father still being active at the Lakers. It won’t be difficult to imagine, LeBron having some influence in decision-making in the team, given his legacy and that is what one fan pointed out.

The user noted, “Only if dwade had bron kinda pull.” wrote one user. The argument comes from the fact that the team selected the 20-year-old with the No. 55 pick, despite the fact that he barely spent any time in the college program, let alone an impressive tenure. Thus the decision still baffles a few.

However, Bron and his eldest son have received support from not just multiple NBA entities, but also from beyond. Most recently, Kevin Hart raised questions at the critics of Bronny James. “Why would Bron not want his child to succeed? Have we skipped to this high level of ignorance that we forget that’s his child? Why do single moms work 20 jobs? Why? Because they’re trying to get whatever they can so that their child has the tools so that they can succeed,” he told Bleacher Report.

But many fans have an issue with the career path Bronny took. Yes, his unfortunate cardiac arrest hampered his progress at USC, but some fans still believe he should have proven himself either more in college or the G-League. Commenting on Zaire’s decision to enter the draft for the league toward the end of this month, a user mentioned, “What Bronny should’ve done…,” highlighting the need to see Bronny develop more before signing the big contract.

Criticism kept coming for Bronny with one fan writing, “This is where bronny should be zaire is gonna have two years or so in the g league and come to nba way better.” Despite seemingly taking a step back, there is hope for Zaire. Given that players like Avery Bradley used the G League experience to bounce back stronger in the NBA, the possibilities for Dwyane Wade’s son are real.

Amid the backlash for Bronny, support for Zaire was obvious. “Zaire Wade has potential to one day play in the league,” wrote one such supporter. There is a possibility that Zaire and Bronny could cross paths again in the G-League or if things aligned perfectly, we could see them team up just like their iconic fathers did for Miami Heat.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.