It’s hard to be a sports fan of any kind without having a favorite player. Typically, this favorite player is one of the stars, a person who shines brighter than most others. For Miami Heat fans, a favorite player is Dwyane Wade. A man who entered the NBA with little expectations, Wade has turned into one of the greatest players in the game. Lighting a spark under the Miami Heat, he is one of the reasons they get hot.
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. was born on January 17, 1982 in the south side of Chicago. Though the spelling of his name is odd, it is pronounced “Dwayne,” a pronunciation that has left his name misspelled on numerous occasions. Following in the foot steps of Michael Jordan, a childhood hero of his, Wade has solidified himself as one of the NBA elite, a man of style, skill, and great un-expectations. In 2006, He was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated and, after averaging 34.7 points per playoff game, he was awarded the MVP trophy in the 2006 NBA finals. His jersey was also the number one selling NBA jersey for two years in a row.
Nicknamed “Flash” and “D-Wade,” Wade plays the shooting guard position. With a subtle quickness, he is a hard player to guard and even a harder one to stop. If he’s not scoring baskets, as he averaged 27.2 points per game last season, he’s assisting in them. He’s poise under fire and ability to perform when his team needs it most have given him a reputation as one of the league’s best clutch players. The only weakness in his game seems to be his 3 point shooting. Shooting only 17.1 percent from long range, Wade is not too threatening behind the line. Inside of it, however, he’s nearly unstoppable.
Outside of the gym, Wade has been making a name from himself by appearing on late night talk shows and endorsing products. He has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman as well as Live with Regis and Kelly. He also endorses Gatorade, Sean John, Converse and Topps. In 2005, showing he has style on and off the court, Wade was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in People’s Magazine. This was followed, in 2006, by Wade being named the NBA’s best dressed player by GQ Magazine.
In his personal life, Wade is serious about his Christianity, rumored to have chosen the number 3 because of the Holy Trinity. He also donates ten percent of his salary to a Chicago church. Stating that he has only had one serious girlfriend in his entire life, Wade married his high school sweetheart in 2002. He and his wife have a son named Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade.
Though the 2007 season has seen Miami be mediocre at best, any team that has a Dwyane Wade can never be counted out just yet. If he gets hot, the Miami Heat could spread like wild fire.
