Although he retired from the NBA in 2019, we knew that it was just a matter of time before Dwyane Wade was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. As the official pomp and circumstance of marking Wade’s career accolade is over, daughter Zaya Wade is still celebrating her dad’s professional achievement with a sweet tribute.
“my dad is a Hall of Famer. I’ve never been more proud in my life to know someone as kind, loving, and accepting as he is,” the 16-year-old posted on Instagram. “He is one of my best friends. I love you dad,” she concluded.
Wade’s entire family was on hand to celebrate the basketball legend in Springfield, MA earlier this week.
In addition to Zaya, on hand to celebrate with the former Miami Heat included: Wade’s parents, Jolinda and Dwayne Wade, Sr.; wife, Gabrielle Union; and children — four-year-old Kaavia James, 21-year-old Zaire and Dwyane’s nephew, 21-year-old Dahveon Morris.
Wade gave a heartfelt speech at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, expressing his gratitude to those who are the most important to him.
“Thank you all for being there for me and for loving me in the most perfect way possible. I appreciate you guys and I love y’all,” Wade began. “And my wife Gab, would you please stand. Thank you for making our house a home.”
The 41-year-old continued addressing his wife, “Thank you for making sure our kids feel seen, heard and protected when I’m not around. Thank you for learning every ref’s name in the NBA and for screaming at them so I didn’t have to — saved a lot of fine money,” he joked.
“I know I’m traveling for work this year during our anniversary, so I want to say, thank you for being on this journey for me — with me, these past 15 years. Thank you for learning to love my imperfections, just as much as we enjoyed and love the moments of perfection. I love you.”
Congratulations, Dwayne on your well-deserved honor! We cannot wait to see what is next for this amazing family!
Photo Credit(s)/Featured Image: Zaya Wade Instagram; Gabrielle Union Instagram; Dwayne Wade Instagram
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