Dwyane Wade has played a lot of roles throughout his career. He’s been a rookie, a franchise player, an injured superstar, and a wily veteran. However, one role that’s remained permanent throughout his life has been that of a leader.
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On his visit to Angel Reese’s podcast, he briefly touched upon the many relationships in his life and used them to explain how he viewed a leadership role. He said,
“You see my personality. I’m able to play with Shaq. I’m able to play with LeBron. Me and [Gabrielle Union] play together. We’re partners, we’re teammates and so this is just another version of that for me.”
He then further expanded on what he meant by saying,
“Good leaders don’t always need to be the one that’s talking. Don’t always need to be the ones in the front. It doesn’t need to be about them. Actual good leaders, it won’t be about them it’ll be about everyone else.”
Wade’s words about being a good leader ring true, considering how he adjusted to playing with LeBron James after the latter’s infamous decision to join Miami in 2010.
Having cemented his spot as Miami’s franchise player, Wade’s role as the alpha was immediately in doubt with James’ arrival. However, true to his word, Wade took a step back and allowed his fellow 2003 draftee to take the spotlight. He didn’t make James’ arrival about himself, instead; he used it as a way to improve his own game, learning from the 4x MVP.
5 years before James, Wade had to contend with another big-name star arriving in Miami. Shaquille O’Neal, unhappy with the Lakers, was traded to Miami and joined forces with a young Wade. Shaq, who was used to being the center of attention and was rumored to have a big ego, would challenge Wade’s leadership in ways he hadn’t faced yet.
Yet, D-Wade prevailed. Shaq famously told Wade that Miami was “still his team”, and this statement from the 3x Finals MVP was essential in developing Wade into the leader he became. Shaq’s issues always hinged around his inability to accept the other star on the team, and his open declaration to Wade meant he was ready to correct that.
Wade, to his credit, never took away Shaq’s spotlight, managing to keep the big man happy as much as possible, until they ultimately parted ways in 2008.
Wade’s approach to leadership through his experiences in life has led to very successful personal relationships as well. He and his wife have been married for nearly 10 years, and have raised 4 children together.
Timeline of Union and Wade’s relationship
The power couple has been making their presence felt in Holywood for many years. However, it all started in 2007, when Wade was still married to his first wife, Siohvaughn Funches. He met Union at a SuperBowl party that the two were set to host together.
Though the party didn’t lead to anything between them immediately, reports from the time suggested Wade made quite a lasting impression on the Bad Boys II actress.
Several public appearances and one red carpet later, Wade and Union went public with their relationship in 2010, but would not move forward with their marriage till 2014. The reason for that was Wade’s contentious divorce with Funches, which was only finalized in 2013.
Since marriage, the two have been very tight-knit. They welcomed their first child as a couple (and Wade’s 4th) in 2018, a daughter named Kaavia James Wade.
Today, Wade and Union are one of the most influential couples in the world and have started various charities and organizations to help improve people’s lives.
