In December, Zaire uploaded a video of his hooping abilities, in which he soars for a dunk that almost resembles his father’s style. The interesting thing in that story was his two-word caption below-“Forgotten Child”. After all, the past year did not pan out the way he hoped for his NBA career. So, Dwyane Wade, on his eldest son’s birthday, added a motivational message. The message became special because the Heat legend used his idol ‘Michael Jordan’ connection to send the message across.

“23. We celebrate my YNG 👑 on his day. 23 years ago you came into this world and changed my life forever, you made me feel something that made me wanna be the best version of me. Enjoy Wade County tonite🫡 ZWade I love you!” Apart from this post, Dwyane Wade added a few other stories and in one story mentioned Michael Jordan. “Your jordan year…Year 23.” The 3x NBA Champion attached a photo of young Z-Wade in a suit. “It’s a forever thing. Happy birthday son. Pops love you!”

This is not the only time when Dwyane Wade used the Bulls legend to motivate his son. “I always tell Z, I said Z you’re my favorite basketball player and he might not understand like Jordan was my favorite basketball player, he don’t play anymore.” The proud father stated on his YouTube channel back in November. But one may ask why his D-Wade is motivating his son on his birthday.

The way Zaire has worked for his NBA dream has been different from the path that Dwyane Wade or his idol, Michael Jordan took. After the high school season with Brewster Academy, Z-Wade rejected offers from multiple programs for his college. Those scholarship offers were from DePaul, Nebraska, Rhode Island, and Toledo. However, the eldest of the Wade clan decided to enter the G-League draft. After the first-round selection, from G-League’s Salt Lake City Stars in 2021, the career did not reach that height again.

Despite his international trips to Africa to Asia to get more playing time, last year his NBA dream took a major hit. As first reported by GTV Hoops, Zaire entered the 2024 G-League Draft on October 26. However, a Bleacher Report final list did not feature Dwyane Wade’s son’s name. Although there was no official announcement regarding Zaire going undrafted. That’s why the Heat legend is using the 6x NBA champion as a motivator because even he did that for himself.

When did Dwyane Wade have his Michael Jordan moment?

Being part of the draft class featuring LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh, D-Wade was the first to win the championship among them. That already gave him much-needed confidence. But his true moment came in the year 2004, the same year when he did not win the ROTY. So what happened that year?

“Yeah, I thought I was coming for MJ, I’m going to be the greatest.” Dwyane Wade revealed. And there is a reason why the ‘Flash’ felt it. “I’m like I’m going to be the greatest because I figured it out very early in the league.” During the EC semifinal against the Pacers, Wade averaged 21.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds, facing the team with the best record and the best defensive player in Metta Artest.

“He was stronger than me, but I was so quick and I was strong.” When a young D-Wade could win his battle against the reigning DPOY, he truly felt that it was his Michael Jordan moment. However, due to constant knee injuries, he did lose some explosivity. But went to play for 16 seasons. He is hoping that his son too, despite setbacks, stamps his authority in the league like Michael Jordan.