“I’ve been successful in different areas, but nothing brings a smile to my face more than my oldest son, Zaire,” said Dwyane Wade once. While Wade’s children have been making their own marks—Zaya Wade as a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and Kaavia James becoming a social media star in her own right—one child is determined to follow directly in his father’s footsteps on the basketball court. But a recent social media post by him suggests he feels his journey has been overlooked.

Zaire Wade has recently posted a video on his Instagram Story. In that video, he soars for a dunk that almost resembles his father’s style, followed by sprints that highlight his speed and agility. There were Alley Oops and behind-the-back passes that only adds to how the talent is honing his skills. But at the very bottom of the clip, the 22-year-old placed the caption “Forgotten Child,” with a dying rose, reigniting conversations about his career trajectory and determination to stand out.

The young point guard had a moderate hooping career during his time at Sierra Canyon, where he played along with Bronny James and averaged 4.3 PPG. After high school, he transferred to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where despite having scholarship offers from DePaul, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Toledo, he chose to have a professional career.

He joined the NBA G League’s Salt Lake City Stars in 2021, a decision that underscored his ambition to forge his own way into the NBA. However, Zaire’s G League stats of 3.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game were not enough to amaze his fans and then he was given a bench role.

After this, Wade traveled two continents, making his first stop in Africa to play in the Basketball Africa League for the Cape Town Tigers, where he averaged 9.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game and later moved to China to play for the Macau Black Bears of The Asian Tournament.

“We went to the Combine a few weeks prior, and I knew I did my thing. And we had some in-person talks with a few teams, so I knew there was some interest, but nothing concrete until that day came. My dad and my trainer Coach Johnson were doing their due diligence behind the scenes…. and not letting me know too much (in the process). And once that day came, it was kind of a surprise. It was great, but I just knew it was time to just take that next step,” said Zaire Wade during his time in Africa.

The recent video serves as a statement—not just of his physical readiness but also of his resolve to silence doubters. By branding himself the “Forgotten Child,” Zaire acknowledges the weight of his father’s legacy who averaged twenty-two points per game in his career.

Whether or not he reaches the NBA, Zaire Wade is already writing a compelling chapter in his family’s storied legacy and is even venturing out on a new path.

Zaire Wade’s entry into a new path in his career

When Dwyane Wade retired from the NBA in 2019 after a 16-year career, he seamlessly transitioned into a multifaceted post-basketball life. From hosting podcasts to serving as an NBA analyst and even delving into business ventures, the Heat icon has remained a dynamic presence off the court. Now, his son, Zaire Wade, appears to be following in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps, stepping into the booming $30.34 billion industry.

Just days after the unveiling of Wade’s Miami Heat statue in front of Kaseya Center, Zaire revealed that he wants to make an entry into the content creation industry. “Besides that, I’m trying to get into the content world, so hence, my first time on the Pod, got a new YouTube, I just did a little self-promotion there, but um, besides that, taking it day by day,” said Zaire during the podcast.

However, the goal of the 22-year-old remains the same as ever: playing in the big league as his father. “A dream for me, since I can remember, is being an NBA player. I’m 22 now, but what I mean by keeping it alive is just continue to believe in myself. For me, get up every day, whatever 7 o’clock at least, every day. I’m in the gym first,” he stated before sharing how he tries to be consistent and have a sharp mindset,” said Zaire.

This move highlights a generational evolution within the Wade family—one where traditional sports prowess converges with innovative industries. Just as Dwyane Wade redefined his legacy post-NBA, Zaire is carving out his own path with his new YouTube channel proving that the drive to innovate and excel transcends the basketball court. Do you think Zaire’s new journey is worth it? Let us know in the comments.