Zaire Wade drafted by Salt Lake City Stars
SALT LAKE CITY (BVM) – Dwayne Wade will have a close eye on the beginning of his son’s professional basketball career.
After his legendary playing career, Wade became a part owner of the Utah Jazz which seemed like the only destination for his 19-year-old son, Zaire. But players aren’t allowed to sign directly with NBA G League teams; they must go through the NBA G League draft.
Luckily for the Wade family, the Salt Lake City Stars selected Zaire with the No. 10 overall pick in Saturday morning’s draft.
.@DwyaneWade and @zairewade21 shared a moment after Zaire got drafted to the G League 🙏 @brhoops pic.twitter.com/MV5a59EMZ8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 23, 2021
The 6-foot-3 combo guard was rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 31 overall prospect in the state of California and the No. 289 overall prospect in his class. Zaire fielded offers from DePaul, Nebraska, South Carolina, TCU, Toledo and others but decided against the college route. The basketball royalty will instead use the G League as the first step in his pro basketball journey.
Zaire’s high school career was certainly unique, beginning at Sierra Canyon alongside LeBron James’ son, Bronny. But he reclassified to the Class of 2021 after struggling to find playing time at Sierra Canyon. Dwayne even went as far as not attending Zaire’s final game due to being disgruntled with the school’s head coach.
Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire was Zaire’s next destination, but a torn ligament in his right ankle forced him to be sidelined for the majority of his senior season.
Because he’s still eligible for the NBA draft, Zaire isn’t eligible for a call-up by the Jazz. He’ll remain with the Salt Lake City Stars to develop his game at the G League level in hopes of impressing NBA teams ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Hate it or love it … the underdog 🚶🏾♂️#WadeLegacyContinues pic.twitter.com/d23rQVEeCa
— 5 (@Zaire) October 23, 2021
