Dwyane Wade facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dwyane Wade

Wade with the Miami Heat in 2011
Utah Jazz
Co-owner
Personal information
Born	(1982-01-17) January 17, 1982 (age 43) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
High school	Harold L. Richards (Oak Lawn, Illinois)
Listed height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Career information
College	Marquette (2001–2003)
NBA Draft	2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
Selected by the Miami Heat
Pro career	2003–2019
League	NBA
Career history
2003–2016	Miami Heat
2016–2017	Chicago Bulls
2017–2018	Cleveland Cavaliers
2018–2019	Miami Heat
Career highlights and awards
3× NBA champion (2006, 2012, 2013) NBA Finals MVP (2006) 13× NBA All-Star (2005–2016, 2019) NBA All-Star Game MVP (2010) 2× All-NBA First Team (2009, 2010) 3× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2006, 2011) 3× All-NBA Third Team (2007, 2012, 2013) 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2005, 2009, 2010) NBA scoring champion (2009) NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004) NBA 75th Anniversary Team No. 3 retired by Miami Heat Consensus first-team All-American (2003) Third-team All-American – SN (2002) Conference USA Player of the Year (2003) 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2002, 2003) No. 3 retired by Marquette Golden Eagles
Career NBA statistics
Points	23,165 (22.0 ppg)
Rebounds	4,933 (4.7 rpg)
Assists	5,701 (5.4 apg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2008 Beijing Team competition Bronze 2004 Athens Team competition World Cup Bronze 2006 Japan Team competition

Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. (born January 17, 1982) is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He is now a co-owner of the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wade also hosts the American TV show The Cube.

Many people consider him one of the best shooting guards in NBA history. He played most of his 16-year career for the Miami Heat. With the Heat, he won three NBA championships. He was also chosen for the NBA All-Star team 13 times. Wade holds many records for the Miami Heat, including most points, games played, assists, and steals.

After a great college basketball career with the Marquette Golden Eagles, Wade was picked fifth in the 2003 NBA draft by the Heat. In his third season, he led the Heat to their first NBA Championship. He was named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, he helped the U.S. team win a gold medal. He was the team's top scorer.

In the 2008–09 season, Wade led the league in scoring, earning his only NBA scoring title. He was also named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2010. With LeBron James and Chris Bosh, he led Miami to four NBA Finals in a row from 2011 to 2014. They won championships in 2012 and 2013.

In 2016, Wade played for the Chicago Bulls and then the Cleveland Cavaliers. He returned to Miami in 2018 and retired in 2019. The Heat retired his #3 jersey in 2020. In 2021, he bought a part of the Utah Jazz. In 2023, he became a part-owner of the WNBA's Chicago Sky. Wade was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. In 2023, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Growing Up

Dwyane Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 17, 1982. He was the second of two children. His older sister, Tragil, played a big role in guiding him.

Wade grew up in the South Side of Chicago. He found basketball and football to be a way to stay focused. He looked up to basketball legend Michael Jordan and tried to play like him.

High School Basketball Journey

Wade played both basketball and football at Harold L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn. He was a good wide receiver in football. In basketball, he grew taller and became the team's leader.

During his junior year, he averaged 20.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. In his senior year, he averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds. He helped his team achieve a 24–5 record. Wade set school records for points scored and steals.

College Career at Marquette

Wade decided to play college basketball at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He played for coach Tom Crean. In his first year, he could not play due to academic rules. He worked hard and became eligible for his second year.

2001–02 Season Highlights

Wade led the Marquette Golden Eagles in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game. He also led his conference in steals. Marquette finished with a strong 26–7 record that season.

2002–03 Season and the Final Four

Wade again led his team in scoring with 21.5 points per game. The Golden Eagles finished with a 27–6 record. Wade helped lead Marquette to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. This was the first time since 1977.

His amazing performance in the Midwest Regional final got national attention. Against a top team, Kentucky, he scored 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and made 11 assists. This rare achievement is called a triple double. Marquette won and moved on to the Final Four. Wade was named the MVP of the Midwest Regional. Because of his great play, he decided to enter the NBA draft early.

Marquette honored Wade by retiring his No. 3 jersey on February 3, 2007. This means no other player at Marquette will wear that number.

Professional Basketball Career

Miami Heat: Early Years (2003–2005)

Wade dunking the ball during the 2004 Rookie Challenge game for the Rookies team

The Miami Heat picked Wade fifth in the 2003 NBA draft. He quickly became a key player, averaging 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in his first year. The Heat improved their record and made it to the playoffs. Wade played very well in the postseason. He was chosen for the 2004 NBA All-Rookie Team.

In his second season, the Heat traded for star center Shaquille O'Neal. Miami's record improved greatly, and they led the Eastern Conference. Wade was chosen for his first All-Star Game.

Wade with the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005

In the 2005 playoffs, Wade played exceptionally well. He helped the Heat sweep their first two opponents. The Heat then lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals. Wade played through injuries and illness during this series.

NBA Champion and Finals MVP (2005–06)

Wade at the free throw line

In the 2005–06 season, Wade was voted to start in the All-Star Game. He finished the regular season averaging 27.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.95 steals.

During the 2006 playoffs, Wade battled several injuries. He still led the Heat past the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons. In the 2006 NBA Finals, Miami faced the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat were down 0–2 in the series. Wade's incredible scoring in Games 3, 4, and 5 helped Miami take a 3–2 lead. The Heat won Game 6, and Wade was named the Finals MVP. He was one of the youngest players to win this award.

Dealing with Injuries (2006–2008)

After winning the championship, Wade signed a new contract. In the 2006–07 season, he missed 31 games due to injuries. He still made his third All-Star Game. In February 2007, Wade dislocated his left shoulder. He chose to recover without surgery to play in the postseason. The Heat were swept in the first round of the 2007 playoffs by the Chicago Bulls. After the playoffs, Wade had surgeries on his shoulder and knee.

He missed the start of the 2007–08 season due to his knee. Wade was still chosen for his fourth All-Star Game. However, the Heat had the worst record in the NBA. Wade's knee problems led the team to rest him for the final 21 games.

Scoring Champion and Playoff Challenges (2008–2010)

Wade dribbling the ball in 2009

After recovering, Wade helped the U.S. National Team win a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. He was the team's leading scorer. He returned to the Heat's starting lineup for the 2008–09 season.

Wade had an amazing season, scoring 50 points in a game and setting a career-high with 16 assists. He became the Heat's all-time leading scorer. Wade was the only player that season to reach 2,000 points, 500 assists, 150 steals, and 100 blocks. He led the league with 30.2 points per game, earning his first NBA scoring title.

In the 2009–10 season, Wade reached 10,000 career points. He made a famous dunk over Anderson Varejão. Wade was named the MVP of the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. He led his team to the playoffs. Despite averaging 33.2 points per game, the Heat lost in the first round to the Boston Celtics.

The Big Three Era and Back-to-Back Championships (2010–2014)

Wade (right) with LeBron James in 2010

In 2010, Wade decided to stay with the Heat. Star players Chris Bosh and LeBron James also joined the team. This created the "Big Three." In their first year together, the Heat reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

In 2012, Wade recorded the third triple-double in All-Star Game history. The Heat defeated the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers in the playoffs. They then beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, winning the championship.

Before the 2012–13 season, Wade had knee surgery and missed the 2012 Summer Olympics. Despite injuries, he helped the Heat win their second straight championship in the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. This was Wade's third NBA title.

In the 2013–14 season, Wade missed many games due to injuries and rest. The Heat still made it to their fourth straight NBA Finals. However, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals.

After the Big Three (2014–2016)

Wade making a lay-up in 2015

In 2014, LeBron James left the Heat. Wade and Bosh re-signed with Miami. In the 2014–15 season, Wade missed games due to a hamstring injury. He still scored a season-high 42 points in one game. The Heat did not make the playoffs that year.

Wade signed a new one-year contract in 2015. In the 2016 postseason, he showed surprising success with three-point shots.

Chicago Bulls (2016–2017)

In July 2016, Wade joined his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. He teamed up with Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo. In March 2017, Wade fractured his elbow but returned for the playoffs. The Bulls lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018)

Wade in 2017

In September 2017, Wade signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He reunited with his former teammate LeBron James. After starting a few games, Wade decided to come off the bench. He became a leader for the team's second group of players.

Return to Miami and Retirement (2018–2019)

In February 2018, Wade was traded back to the Miami Heat. In his first game back, he received a standing ovation from the fans. He scored a season-high 27 points in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. In April, Wade reached 5,000 assists while playing for the Heat. He also passed Larry Bird on the NBA's career playoff scoring list.

Wade announced he would retire after the 2018–19 season. He re-signed with the Heat in September. In November, he scored a season-high 35 points as a bench player. In January 2019, Wade became one of only three players in NBA history to reach 20,000 points, 5,000 assists, 4,000 rebounds, 1,500 steals, 800 blocks, and 500 three-pointers. He was chosen for his 13th All-Star Game.

On April 9, Wade played his last home game in Miami, scoring 30 points. In his final game the next night, he recorded his fifth career triple-double. On January 7, 2020, the Heat announced that Wade's No. 3 jersey would be retired.

Basketball Executive Career

On April 16, 2021, Dwyane Wade bought a part of the Utah Jazz NBA team. He joined an ownership group led by his friend, Ryan Smith. Wade said he wanted to be actively involved and help the team. He also mentioned his close relationship with Jazz star Donovan Mitchell.

On July 14, 2023, Wade also joined the ownership group of the WNBA team Chicago Sky.

National Team Career

Wade shooting a free-throw against China during the 2008 Olympics

Wade was part of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team, which won a bronze medal. He also played in the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, where the U.S. team won another bronze medal.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics, the United States team, known as the "Redeem Team," won the gold medal. They beat Spain in the final. Wade led the team in scoring during the tournament. He scored 27 points in the gold medal game.

Player Style and Skills

Wade's pre-game ritual consisted of doing pull-ups at the rim

Wade was a shooting guard who could also play point guard. He was known for being one of the quickest and hardest players to guard. His special "one-two step" move helped him get past defenders and draw fouls. He was also good at passing, averaging 5.4 assists per game in his career. After winning the NBA Finals MVP Award in 2006, he became known as a great player in important moments.

Experts said Wade was strong at playing close to the basket. He had good moves like his turnaround jump shot. One of his few weaknesses was three-point shooting.

Wade was famous for making difficult lay-ups, even when he collided with bigger players. He was also a strong defensive player, known for blocking shots and getting steals. Wade holds the NBA record for blocks by players who are 6 feet 4 inches tall or shorter.

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Wade as the 28th greatest player in NBA history.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs

College

Awards and Honors

• 3× NBA champion: 2006, 2012, 2013
• NBA Finals MVP: 2006
• NBA scoring champion: 2009
• NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2010
• 13× NBA All-Star: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019
• 8× All-NBA:
  • First Team: 2009, 2010
  • Second Team: 2005, 2006, 2011
  • Third Team: 2007, 2012, 2013
• 3× All-Defense:
  • Second Team: 2005, 2009, 2010
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2004
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• NBA Skills Challenge champion: 2006, 2007
• Gold medal with Team USA: 2008 Summer Olympic Games
• Bronze medal with Team USA: 2004 Summer Olympic Games
• Bronze medal with Team USA: 2006 FIBA World Championship
• Miami Heat all-time leading scorer
• Miami Heat all-time assists leader
• Miami Heat all-time steals leader
• 2005 Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award
• 2006 Best NBA Player ESPY Award
• 2006 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
• 2006 Sporting News Sportsman of the Year
• Wade won the 2012–13 season-long NBA Community Assist Award
• NAACP Image Award – President's Award

Statue Unveiled

In January 2024, the Heat announced they would unveil a statue of Wade. The statue was revealed on October 27, 2024, in front of Kaseya Center. This honor celebrates his impact on the team.

Personal Life

Wade at a party with then-teammates Udonis Haslem (second from left) and Antoine Walker (far right) in 2005

Family Life

In 2002, Wade married Siohvaughn Funches. They later divorced in 2010. In 2011, Wade was given full custody of their two children. He also helps raise a nephew. Wade started dating actress Gabrielle Union in 2008. They got married in Miami on August 30, 2014. In November 2018, they welcomed their daughter.

Nicknames and Popularity

Wade has several nicknames, including D-Wade, Father Prime, and Flash. His former teammate Shaquille O'Neal gave him the nickname "Flash." Wade's popularity grew quickly during the Heat's playoff run in 2005. His jersey became the top-selling in the league for almost two years. He appeared on many TV shows and in magazines.

Wade had endorsement deals with big companies like Gatorade and Lincoln. He also had his own line of shoes with Converse and later with Nike's Jordan Brand. In 2012, he signed with the Chinese athletic brand Li-Ning. In 2020, Time magazine included him on their list of the 100 most influential people.

Giving Back to the Community

Wade is active in encouraging youth to develop their talents as seen in this talent search at the Chicago Theatre.

Wade is well-known for his charity work. In 2003, he started The Wade's World Foundation. This foundation helps community groups that support education, health, and social skills for children in need. He hosts many programs for kids in Chicago and South Florida.

In 2008, Wade partnered with former teammate Alonzo Mourning's charity. He also bought a new home for a family whose house burned down. Wade often visits sick children privately.

Wade giving a present to a U.S. Army reservist during a 2009 pregame ceremony

In September 2009, Wade donated money to keep the public library in Robbins, Illinois, from closing. In January 2010, Wade and Mourning started "The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti." This fund raised money to help victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Wade also supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Faith and Beliefs

Wade is a Christian. He chose the number 3 for his jersey because it represents the Holy Trinity. His mother, Jolinda, became a minister in 2007. In 2008, Wade bought a church building for her ministry. He gives 10% of his salary to his mother's church.

Television Appearances

In 2007, Wade appeared on the TV show Supernanny as a role model. In 2019, he was a guest judge on America's Got Talent with his wife, Gabrielle Union. He pressed the Golden Buzzer for a dance group called V.Unbeatable. Since 2021, he has been the host of The Cube on TBS.

Images for kids

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  Wade with the Miami Heat in 2011

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  Wade dunking the ball during the 2004 Rookie Challenge game

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  Wade with the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005

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  Wade at the free throw line

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  Wade dribbling the ball in 2009

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  Wade (right) with LeBron James in 2010

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  Wade making a lay-up in 2015

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  Wade in 2017

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  Wade shooting a free-throw against China during the 2008 Olympics

• 

  Wade's pre-game ritual consisted of doing pull-ups at the rim

• 

  Wade is active in encouraging youth to develop their talents as seen in this talent search at the Chicago Theatre.

• 

  Wade giving a present to a U.S. Army reservist during a 2009 pregame ceremony

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  Wade at a party with then-teammates Udonis Haslem (second from left) and Antoine Walker (far right) in 2005

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  Wade with his wife Gabrielle Union in 2024

See also

In Spanish: Dwyane Wade para niños