“Like father, like son.” Zaire Wade, son of 13× NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, is making a name with his left-handed brilliance just like his father once did. But is this purely inherited talent, or did someone help shape his raw potential into what we see today? To remind you, Wade was one of the best slashers in NBA history, with an ability to finish through contact and around shot blockers despite being only 6’4″. His combination of body control, strength, and creativity made him lethal. Will Zaire pick his father’s style or from his ‘mentor’?

Recently, Junior Wade shared an old clip on his Instagram story from when he was just 17. The video dates back to the 2019 NBA All-Star practice for Team Giannis and Team LeBron at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. It captured a special moment. James Harden, one of the NBA’s best left-handed finishers, took Dwyane Wade’s son under his wing. Harden drilled him on dribbling, crossovers, and aggressive drives to the basket. It was like Harden was fine-tuning Zaire’s raw talent. Has the young lad got a mentor?

Both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James watched as Harden mentored the young guard. Zaire Wade has long been a high-profile prospect in college basketball. At 6’2, he displayed his shooting skills at the 2018 Pangos All-American Camp, impressing NBA scouts and strengthening his rising star status. Adding a stylish touch to the video clip, Junior Wade set it to Bill Evans’ “Peace Piece” song. It made the throwback moment feel even smoother.

Zaire could have pursued any other career, but he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps. And with time, he’s becoming a pro. With the Wade genes, he was expected to be this. Currently, he plays for the Macau Black Bears in The Asian Tournament (TAT) after signing with the team on April 13, 2024. But have you ever wondered what senior Wade thinks about his son’s journey?

Dwyane Wade Steps Up to Guide His Son’s Career

Zaire Wade has been chasing his basketball dreams since childhood, growing up under the weight of his father’s legendary name. He shared the court with LeBron James’ son Bronny at Sierra Canyon School. While his father’s athleticism runs in his blood, the pressure of living up to the Wade legacy has been always there. However, Dwyane Wade has always been in his corner, offering guidance while letting his son take the wheel.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Wade reflected on his role, saying, “If basketball is the ultimate goal, then I’m just trying to help him along the way, understanding there’s so many different ways to get to this goal.” That belief paid off in October 2021 when Zaire’s hard work led him to be selected as the No. 10 overall pick by the Salt Lake City Stars.

Dwyane Wade became a father when he was just 20 years old. Zaire is his first child with his high school sweetheart Funches. From thereon, their bond has only strengthened over the years. On Zaire’s 23rd birthday, Wade took to Instagram to honor his son, writing, “23 YEARS AGO YOU CAME INTO THIS WORLD AND CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER, YOU MADE ME FEEL SOMETHING THAT MADE ME WANNA BE THE BEST VERSION OF ME”

We will witness Zaire Wade’s journey in the upcoming years. For now, with Harden’s guidance and his father’s support, he continues to carve his path in the game. And with each step, he’s proving to the world that the Wade legacy is in good hands.