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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: Dwayne Wade his son Zaire and daughter Kaavia attend a Los Angeles Sparks WNBA game on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: Dwayne Wade his son Zaire and daughter Kaavia attend a Los Angeles Sparks WNBA game on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
While Dwyane Wade found business opportunities in Asia, his son is expanding his athletic wings in the region. Notably, Dwyane has had some major ventures and events in the Asian region, almost making it a second home for him. But it’s not just him who has found a sense of purpose over there. D-Wade’s elder son, Zaire Wade, who last played for the Cape Town Tigers in the Basketball Africa League, is now gearing up for an upcoming tournament in East Asia.
“It’s your boy Zaire Wade here, man. Super happy to announce, coming out to compete in the TAT (The Asian Tournament) tournament. Can’t wait to get out there, compete with my teammates, my coaches and embrace the fans’ love,” Dwyane Wade’s eldest son stated in a video message posted by an official Instagram account of The Asian Tournament.
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As per the official IG account of TAT, the tourney will include 7 teams. The teams will contest games across 5 different Asian venues. It is worth mentioning that Zaire started playing for the Macau Black Bears in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). This international professional league consists of eight teams, including six clubs from Southeast Asia.
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A closer look into Zaire Wade’s basketball career transition
Dwayne Wade’s eldest son started his professional basketball career with Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League. Notably, he was the 10th pick in the 2021 NBA G League draft by the SLC. However, his run with the SLC was short-lived as he suffered a season-ending injury in the first year itself.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 09: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat poses for a photo with his wife, Gabrielle Union, nephew, Dahveon Morris, and children, Kaavia James Union Wade, Zaire Wade, Xavier Wade and Zion Wade after his final career home game at American Airlines Arena on April 09, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
After this, Zaire signed with Cape Town Tiger and moved to the Basketball Africa League (BAL). And though this move brought some criticism from the basketball community, Young Flash stayed unaffected by it. “I just stopped trying [to please critics] after a while. I think that’s where growth comes in, maturing – I’ve just turned 21, so I’m just learning that I’m not going to be able to please [everybody] at the end of the day,” he told ESPN back in 2023.
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He also challenged people’s perception of the BAL, stating it is the NBA’s league and is very competitive. “There are former NBA guys, guys who were just in the NBA last year. There are G-League guys. Even the locals on every team are the best around their area,” Zaire had stated. However, the 22-year-old found his new destination in the ASEAN Basketball League, where he now stands to face one of his first major tournaments—TAT.
