On Friday, Miami Heat icon Dwyane Wade celebrated a milestone as he turned 43. Among his well-wishers on this special day were his wife Gabrielle Union and their daughter Zaya.
Gabrielle posted a series of photos showing the three-time NBA champion from his childhood days. These photos lapsed into one another before shifting into a picture of Wade as a grown man:
Gabrielle, who married to former Heat star in 2014, paid tribute to his various roles in her birthday message:
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"Having a front row seat to your evolution as a man, a husband, father, businessman, friend, commentator, public speaker, Oscar nominated producer, podcast host, team owner, and even as a neighbor has been nothing short of wondrous," wrote the "She's All That" actress on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Zaya posted a selfie with her father, along with a caption that read:
"happy birthday Dad. my #1 always. Love you."
Wade was drafted No. 5 in the 2003 NBA draft. In his 16-year career in the league, he garnered eight All-NBA selections, 13 All-Star nods and one scoring title. In 2021, "The Flash" was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Dwyane Wade comes to Pat Riley's defense amidst Jimmy Butler debacle
One of the most important figures in Wade's NBA ascent was Pat Riley, who coached the Heat guard to his first NBA title and sole Finals MVP Award in 2006.
On the Jan. 16 episode of his podcast "The Why With Dwyane Wade," he gave his honest thoughts on critics who claim that players won't be enticed to play for the Heat, given how Jimmy Butler's situation has been handled.
"I don’t like the fact that people feel like they can comment and talk about the whole notion that people say that because of this Jimmy Butler situation and how Pat Riley has handled things that guys are not going to come to Miami," Wade said.
(from 26:37 mark onwards)
Wade was adamant that Riley's approach to the Butler saga, aside from being a fair one in Wade's eyes, wouldn't affect the appeal that playing in Miami has long had on NBA players.
"It ain't gon' be a day that a basketball player isn’t going to want to make $300 million to play in Miami," Wade added.
In all likelihood, Dwyane Wade will give his two cents once again when an official decision on Butler's fate, and whether he stays or leaves Miami, is reached.
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