History of Dwyane Wade in Timeline
Dwyane Wade is a retired American basketball player considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. He is best known for his 16-year career with the Miami Heat, where he won three NBA championships and achieved numerous accolades, including 13 NBA All-Star selections. Wade holds franchise records for the Miami Heat in multiple categories, including points, games played, and assists. He is currently the host of the American adaptation of the game show 'The Cube.'
1976: Wade Joins Alvan Adams in NBA History
During the 2008-2009 NBA season, Dwyane Wade became the second player in NBA history to post at least 40 points, 10 assists, and 5 blocks in a game, joining Alvan Adams who achieved the feat during the 1976-1977 season.
1976: Marquette's Highest Ranking
The 1976-1977 season saw the Marquette Golden Eagles achieve their highest ranking since 1976, reflecting a period of significant success for the team.
1977: Marquette's Final Four Appearance
Dwyane Wade played a key role in Marquette's return to the Final Four in 2003, a feat the team had not accomplished since their national championship season in 1977.
1977: Marquette's Historic Win and Final Four Appearance
In a historic victory, Dwyane Wade led Marquette to a win against the top-seeded Kentucky team in the 1977 Midwest Regional final, securing their place in the Final Four.
1978: Wade Earns All-America First Team Honors
Dwyane Wade's exceptional performance earned him a place on the Associated Press (AP) All-America First Team in 1978, a historic achievement as he became the first Marquette player to receive this recognition since 1978.
1980: Release of Flash Gordon Inspires Dwyane Wade's Nickname
The release of the film "Flash Gordon" in 1980 unknowingly played a role in Dwyane Wade's basketball career as it inspired his nickname, "Flash," given to him by Shaquille O'Neal, who drew a parallel between Wade's speed and the movie.
January 17, 1982: Dwyane Wade's Birth
On January 17, 1982, Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. was born. He would become a renowned figure in basketball history.
1993: Marquette's Best Season in Years
The 1993-1994 season marked the best performance for the Marquette Golden Eagles since 1993, highlighting a successful period for the team.
2000: US Men's Basketball Team's Last Gold Medal Before 2008
Prior to their victory in 2008, the US men's basketball team last secured the gold medal in the Olympics in 2000, highlighting the significance of their 2008 triumph.
October 14, 2001: JoLinda's Turning Point
On October 14, 2001, as Dwyane Wade's basketball career began to flourish, his mother, JoLinda, made a commitment to turn her life around.
2001: Jolinda Wade's Return to Faith
In 2001, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda Wade, reconnected with her Christian faith, marking a pivotal moment in her life's trajectory. This spiritual renewal became a source of strength and guidance during a challenging period marked by personal struggles.
2002: Dwyane Wade Marries Siohvaughn Funches
Dwyane Wade married his high school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches, in 2002.
2002: Jolinda Wade's Ministry in Prison
During her incarceration in 2002, Jolinda Wade embraced the opportunity to serve as a minister, sharing her newfound faith and offering solace to fellow inmates. This experience deepened her spiritual commitment and laid the groundwork for her future endeavors as a religious leader.
March 8, 2003: Marquette's Conference USA Title and JoLinda Watches Wade Play
On March 8, 2003, Dwyane Wade led Marquette to victory in the Conference USA championship, a special moment as it marked the first time his mother, JoLinda, saw him play in five years after being released from prison.
2003: Wade Enters the NBA Draft
Following his standout performances and impressive draft projections, Dwyane Wade made the decision to forgo his senior year and enter the 2003 NBA draft.
2003: Dwyane Wade Establishes The Wade's World Foundation
In 2003, Dwyane Wade laid the groundwork for his philanthropic endeavors by founding The Wade's World Foundation. This organization focuses on supporting community-based initiatives that aim to improve the education, health, and social well-being of children facing adversity.
2003: Wade's NBA Draft and Rookie Season
In 2003, Dwyane Wade was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat, marking the beginning of his illustrious NBA career. He had an impactful rookie season.
2003: Jolinda Wade Continues Ministry in Prison
In 2003, while still serving her sentence, Jolinda Wade continued her ministry work within the prison walls. This steadfast dedication to her faith demonstrated her resilience and desire to make a positive impact even in the face of adversity.
2003: Wade Drafted by Miami Heat
In the 2003 NBA draft, Dwyane Wade was selected as the fifth overall pick by the Miami Heat, marking the start of his professional basketball career.
2003: JoLinda's Sobriety
JoLinda, Dwyane Wade's mother, achieved sobriety in 2003, marking a significant personal milestone.
2004: Dwyane Wade's Olympic Debut and Bronze Medal
Dwyane Wade's Olympic journey began in 2004 when he was part of the US team that won a bronze medal in Athens.
2004: Wade Earns All-Rookie Team Honors
Dwyane Wade's impressive rookie season in 2004 earned him unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie Team, recognizing his impact and potential.
2004: Dwyane Wade's Early Career: A Rising Star
Early in his NBA career, Dwyane Wade quickly gained recognition for his exceptional speed and agility on the court. His signature "one-two step" move became a trademark, allowing him to outmaneuver opponents with ease. In the 2004-05 season, he led the league in free-throw attempts per 48 minutes, showcasing his ability to draw fouls and create scoring opportunities.
2005: Dwyane Wade's Popularity Soars, Jersey Becomes Top Seller
The 2005 NBA playoffs saw Dwyane Wade's popularity skyrocket due to his outstanding performance, especially while Shaquille O'Neal was sidelined by injury. This surge in recognition led to his jersey becoming the league's top seller for almost two years.
2005: Wade Leads Heat to Conference Finals
In the 2005 NBA playoffs, Dwyane Wade's exceptional performance led the Miami Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced a tough loss against the defending champions, the Detroit Pistons.
2005: Wade's All-Star Selection
Dwyane Wade's stellar performance earned him a starting spot in the 2005 NBA All-Star Game, showcasing his rising star power in the league.
2005: Dwyane Wade Recognized Among People's 50 Most Beautiful People
Dwyane Wade's charm and charisma extended beyond the basketball court, earning him a spot on People magazine's prestigious "50 Most Beautiful People" list in 2005.
2006: Wade Battles Injuries in Playoff Run
During the 2006 NBA playoffs, Dwyane Wade displayed incredible resilience as he led the Miami Heat through a series of challenging games while battling injuries, including a severely bruised hip.
2006: Wade's All-Star Season Despite Injuries
During the 2006-2007 season, Dwyane Wade missed 31 games due to injury. However, he was still elected to his third consecutive All-Star game, received All-NBA honors, and became the first guard to earn those honors after missing 31 or more games since Pete Maravich.
2006: Dwyane Wade's Rise to NBA Finals MVP
Dwyane Wade's exceptional performance in the 2006 NBA Finals earned him the prestigious title of Finals MVP. This achievement cemented his status as a clutch player, capable of delivering under pressure.
2006: Dwyane Wade's Post-Championship Media Appearances
Following the Heat's victory in the 2006 NBA playoffs, Dwyane Wade's fame extended beyond the court. He made appearances on popular talk shows like "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Live with Regis and Kelly," further solidifying his presence in popular culture.
2006: Wade Leads Heat to First NBA Championship
In 2006, Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to their first NBA Championship, a pivotal moment in the franchise's history. His performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP award.
2006: Dwyane Wade Leads US Team in FIBA World Championship
In 2006, Dwyane Wade played a crucial role in the US team competing in the FIBA World Championship in Japan. Despite his average of 19.3 points per game, the team only secured a bronze medal.
2006: Wade's Finals MVP Performance
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to a 4-2 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Finals, earning himself the Finals MVP trophy.
2006: US Men's Basketball Team Wins Gold at FIBA World Championship
The US national team, with Dwyane Wade as a key player, won the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, a significant achievement in international basketball.
January 2007: Jolinda Wade's Ordination
In January 2007, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda Wade, was formally ordained as a Baptist minister. This significant life event marked a turning point in Jolinda's life, solidifying her commitment to her faith.
February 1, 2007: Heat Struggle with Injuries
On February 1, 2007, the Miami Heat were 20-25 on the season as they struggled with injuries to key players, including Dwyane Wade.
February 3, 2007: Marquette Retires Wade's Jersey
On February 3, 2007, Marquette University made an exception to their jersey retirement policy, honoring Dwyane Wade by retiring his No. 3 jersey even though he had not graduated from the institution.
February 21, 2007: Wade Dislocates Shoulder
Dwyane Wade dislocated his left shoulder while playing against the Houston Rockets on February 21, 2007. He left the court in a wheelchair, opted to delay surgery, and instead chose to rehabilitate his shoulder for a postseason return.
November 14, 2007: Wade Returns for the Heat
Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami Heat lineup on November 14, 2007 after missing the beginning of the season to recover from off-season surgeries.
2007: Dwyane Wade Appears on Supernanny
In 2007, Dwyane Wade made a guest appearance on the reality television show "Supernanny," offering guidance and support to a family struggling with parenting challenges. His appearance showcased his commitment to mentorship and his desire to use his platform to inspire positive change.
2007: Dwyane Wade's Style Earns Recognition Two Years in a Row
Dwyane Wade's fashion sense received recognition in 2007 when Esquire magazine named him to their "Best Dressed Men in the World" list for the second consecutive year, highlighting his influence on and off the court.
2007: Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches Separate
Dwyane Wade and Siohvaughn Funches's marriage ended in separation in 2007.
2007: Wade Undergoes Surgeries
After the Miami Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2007 playoffs, Dwyane Wade underwent surgeries to repair his left shoulder and left knee. The knee injury, called "jumper's knee", prevented him from playing for Team USA in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament that summer.
May 2008: Dwyane Wade Supports Mother's Ministry
In May 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a church building for his mother, Jolinda Wade, to house her ministry, the Temple of Praise Binding and Loosing Ministry in Chicago. This act of support reflected the deep bond between mother and son, and Wade's commitment to his family's faith journey.
December 24, 2008: Dwyane Wade's Act of Kindness
On December 24, 2008, Dwyane Wade demonstrated extraordinary generosity by purchasing a new home for a family in South Florida who had lost their home in a fire. Wade's compassion extended beyond providing shelter, as he also donated furnishings, clothing, and gifts to the family.
2008: Wade Wins Olympic Gold
After rehabbing from his injuries, Dwyane Wade returned to play and helped the U.S. Men's National Team win the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, leading the team in scoring.
2008: Olympic Gold and Scoring Title
Dwyane Wade had a remarkable year in 2008, leading the United States men's basketball team to Olympic gold and also securing the NBA scoring title.
2008: Dwyane Wade Co-captains US National Team
Dwyane Wade's commitment to representing his country on the basketball court was evident in his selection to the national team roster from 2006 to 2008. Alongside Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony, he co-captained the 2006 team, showcasing his leadership qualities.
2008: Dwyane Wade Begins Dating Gabrielle Union
Dwyane Wade's relationship with Gabrielle Union began in 2008.
2008: Dwyane Wade Leads US Team to Olympic Gold
In the 2008 Summer Olympics, Dwyane Wade played a pivotal role in leading the US team to an undefeated run for the gold medal. He emerged as the team's leading scorer, showcasing exceptional skills and athleticism.
September 2009: Dwyane Wade Saves Robbins Public Library
In September 2009, Dwyane Wade stepped in to rescue the Robbins, Illinois public library from imminent closure due to financial constraints. His generous donation of $25,000, presented to library director Priscilla Coatney, breathed new life into this vital community institution.
2009: Wade Starts Season Strong
Dwyane Wade started the 2009-2010 NBA season strong. On November 1, 2009, he recorded his 10,000th career point and on November 12, 2009, he made a dunk over Anderson Varejão that Lebron James called "great, probably top 10 all-time." The next day, he hit a game-winning buzzer beater against the New Jersey Nets.
2009: Dwyane Wade Switches to Nike's Jordan Brand
In a significant move within the athletic apparel industry, Dwyane Wade switched from Converse to Nike's Jordan Brand in 2009.
January 2010: Dwyane Wade Co-founds The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti
In January 2010, in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning joined forces to establish The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti. This initiative galvanized the sports community, raising over $800,000 in just three days to aid the earthquake victims, showcasing the profound impact of collective action and generosity.
2010: Dwyane Wade Debuts Air Jordan 2010
During the 2010 NBA All-Star break, Dwyane Wade debuted his first signature shoe with Jordan Brand, the Air Jordan 2010, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in basketball and fashion.
2010: Wade Named All-Star Game MVP
Dwyane Wade was named the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2010 after scoring 28 points with 11 assists, six rebounds, and five steals.
2010: Dwyane Wade's Divorce and Custody Battle
In 2010, Dwyane Wade went through a highly publicized divorce from Siohvaughn Funches, which included a challenging custody battle for their two children.
2010: Wade Named NBA All-Star Game MVP
In 2010, Dwyane Wade's exceptional skills were on full display as he earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP award.
2010: Wade Experiences Playoff Success
In the 2014 NBA Playoffs, Dwyane Wade averaged 19.1 points on 52 percent shooting, his best playoff percentage since 2010.
2011: Dwyane Wade Gains Sole Custody of His Children
Following his divorce, Dwyane Wade was granted sole custody of his two children in 2011.
2011: Dwyane Wade Launches First Signature Shoe with Jordan Brand
In the 2011 NBA playoffs, Dwyane Wade reached another milestone in his partnership with Jordan Brand by debuting his first signature shoe, joining the ranks of Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.
2011: The Heatles Era Begins
The 2011 NBA season marked the beginning of the "Heatles" era, with Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh joining forces in Miami. They reached the NBA Finals that year.
February 26, 2012: Wade Records Third All-Star Game Triple-Double
Dwyane Wade recorded the third triple-double in the history of the NBA All-Star game on February 26, 2012. He had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. He joined Michael Jordan and Lebron James as the only players to accomplish the feat.
March 10, 2012: Wade Hits Game Winner Against Pacers
On March 10, 2012, Dwyane Wade hit a game-winning shot against the Indiana Pacers, giving the Heat a 93-91 victory in overtime.
December 26, 2012: Wade Suspended One Game
Dwyane Wade was suspended for one game by the NBA on December 26, 2012 after kicking guard Ramon Sessions in the groin during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats the day before.
2012: Back-to-Back Championships
Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat secured back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, solidifying their dominance in the league.
2012: Dwyane Wade Signs with Li-Ning After Jordan Brand Contract
After his contract with Jordan Brand expired in 2012, Dwyane Wade made a significant move by signing with Li-Ning, a Chinese athletic brand, expanding his global presence.
December 2013: Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union's Engagement
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union announced their engagement in December 2013.
2013: The Heat Rest Wade During Back-to-Back Games
During the 2013-2014 NBA season, the Miami Heat decided to rest Dwyane Wade during back-to-back games.
2013: Back-to-Back Championships
Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat secured back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013, solidifying their dominance in the league.
June 28, 2014: Lebron James Returns to Cleveland
On June 28, 2014, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, and Chris Bosh all opted out of their contracts with the intention to re-sign, but Lebron James decided to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade and Bosh re-signed with the Heat.
August 30, 2014: Dwyane Wade Marries Gabrielle Union
Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union celebrated their marriage in Miami on August 30, 2014.
2014: Wade Battles Hamstring Injury, Misses Playoffs
Dwyane Wade missed seven games during the 2014-2015 NBA season due to a hamstring injury. He was named an All-Star, but pulled out due to another hamstring injury and the Heat missed the Playoffs for just the second time in Wade's career.
2014: End of an Era
The 2014 NBA Finals marked the end of an era for the Miami Heat's "Big Three" of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, as they made their fourth consecutive Finals appearance together.
2014: Spurs Defeat Heat in NBA Finals
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in five games in the 2014 NBA Finals.
June 29, 2015: Wade Signs One-Year Deal with Miami
Dwyane Wade opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat on June 29, 2015 and then signed a one-year, $20 million contract to remain in Miami.
July 2016: Wade Joins the Chicago Bulls
In July 2016, Dwyane Wade made a significant career move by joining the Chicago Bulls after spending the majority of his career with the Miami Heat.
July 2016: Wade Signs with Hometown Bulls
Dwyane Wade joined his hometown Chicago Bulls in July 2016 after signing a two-year, $47 million contract. His relationship with the Miami Heat ended badly as the two sides squabbled over contract numbers.
2016: Wade's Three Point Shooting
Dwyane Wade only hit seven three-pointers during the 2015-2016 NBA season, but made his first seven three point shot attempts in the playoffs. Wade had never made more than five three-pointers in a row before.
January 2017: Wade, Butler, and Rondo Fined
Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, and Rajon Rondo were all fined by the Chicago Bulls in January 2017 for criticizing their younger teammates.
March 2017: Wade Fractures Elbow
Dwyane Wade fractured his elbow in March 2017, but returned in time to play in the playoffs.
September 24, 2017: Bulls and Wade Agree to Buyout
The Chicago Bulls and Dwyane Wade came to an agreement on a buyout on September 24, 2017, three months after the Bulls had traded Jimmy Butler and waived Rajon Rondo.
February 8, 2018: Wade Traded Back to Miami
Dwyane Wade was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers back to the Miami Heat on February 8, 2018.
February 2018: Wade Returns to Miami
After stints with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, Dwyane Wade returned to the Miami Heat in February 2018, marking a significant moment in his career.
November 7, 2018: Dwyane Wade Welcomes Fourth Child via Surrogate
On November 7, 2018, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union expanded their family with the arrival of their daughter, born via surrogate.
2018: Dwyane Wade's Retirement Announcement and Season Highlights
In 2018, Dwyane Wade announced his plan to retire following the 2018-19 season and re-signed with the Miami Heat. He missed several games due to the birth of his daughter but achieved a season-high score and set a record for most points by a Miami bench player. In December, he achieved his 1,000th career game.
January 6, 2019: Dwyane Wade's Career Achievements and Final Season
On January 6, 2019, Dwyane Wade reached a significant career milestone, becoming the third player in NBA history to achieve 20,000 points, 5,000 assists, 4,000 rebounds, 1,500 steals, 800 blocks, and 500 three-pointers. This earned him a special roster addition to the 2019 All-Star game, his 13th appearance. He played his final home game for Miami in April, scoring 30 points, and ended his career with a triple-double in his last game against the Brooklyn Nets.
2019: Wade Retires from the NBA
Dwyane Wade's remarkable NBA career came to an end in 2019 when he announced his retirement.
2019: Dwyane Wade Judges America's Got Talent
In 2019, Dwyane Wade joined his wife, Gabrielle Union, as a guest judge on the popular talent competition show "America's Got Talent." His appearance on the show allowed him to share his discerning eye for talent and support aspiring performers.
January 7, 2020: Miami Heat Honors Dwyane Wade
On January 7, 2020, the Miami Heat announced that Dwyane Wade's jersey number 3 would be retired, a testament to his legacy with the team.
July 2020: Dwyane Wade's Tweet Sparks Controversy
In July 2020, Dwyane Wade found himself at the center of controversy following a tweet in which he expressed support for Nick Cannon, who had been fired from ViacomCBS for making racist remarks and endorsing antisemitic conspiracy theories. Wade's tweet drew immediate backlash, leading him to delete it and issue a clarification. He explained that his support was directed towards Cannon's ownership of his creative content and brand, emphasizing his unwavering stance against hate speech.
2020: Heat Retire Wade's Jersey
In 2020, the Miami Heat honored Dwyane Wade's legacy by retiring his No. 3 jersey, a testament to his impact on the franchise.
2020: Dwyane Wade's Child Comes Out as Transgender
In 2020, Dwyane Wade's 12-year-old child publicly came out as a transgender girl and chose the name Zaya. Wade has been outspoken in his support for Zaya.
2020: Dwyane Wade Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
Dwyane Wade's influence transcended basketball in 2020 when Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people, highlighting his impact on social issues and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
March 2021: Dwyane Wade Calls Michael Jordan the "GOAT"
In March 2021, Dwyane Wade publicly stated his belief that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, referring to him as the "GOAT." Wade acknowledged LeBron James's greatness but maintained his bias towards Jordan, citing his childhood in Chicago and Jordan's influence on his own basketball aspirations.
April 2021: Dwyane Wade Becomes Minority Owner of Utah Jazz
In April 2021, Dwyane Wade took a significant step in his post-playing career by becoming a minority owner of the Utah Jazz, demonstrating his continued involvement in the NBA.
April 16, 2021: Dwyane Wade Becomes Utah Jazz Minority Owner
On April 16, 2021, Dwyane Wade joined the ownership group of the Utah Jazz as a minority stakeholder. This move, driven by his friendship with majority owner Ryan Smith, marked Wade's entry into NBA ownership.
October 2021: Wade Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Dwyane Wade's exceptional career was recognized in October 2021 when he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, solidifying his place among the league's all-time greats.
October 2021: Dwyane Wade's Son, Zaire Wade, Joins Salt Lake City Stars
In October 2021, Dwyane Wade's son, Zaire Wade, followed in his father's footsteps when he was drafted by the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz.
2021: Dwyane Wade to Host The Cube
In 2021, Dwyane Wade was announced as the host of the game show "The Cube," which airs on TBS. This new role expanded his presence in the entertainment industry, showcasing his versatility and charisma.
2022: Dwyane Wade Ranked Among Top 75 NBA Players of All Time
In 2022, as part of the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic recognized Dwyane Wade's legacy by ranking him the 28th greatest player in NBA history.
April 2023: Dwyane Wade's Family Relocates Due to Florida's Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies
In April 2023, Dwyane Wade revealed his family's decision to move out of Florida, citing the state's anti-LGBTQ+ policies as a significant factor.
July 14, 2023: Dwyane Wade Joins Chicago Sky Ownership Group
On July 14, 2023, Dwyane Wade expanded his influence in basketball ownership by becoming a minority stakeholder in the WNBA franchise, Chicago Sky.
2023: Hall of Fame Induction
Dwyane Wade's incredible basketball journey culminated in 2023 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of the game's legends.
January 2024: Miami Heat to Unveil Dwyane Wade Statue
In January 2024, the Miami Heat revealed their plans to unveil a statue of Dwyane Wade in front of Kaseya Center during Fall 2024, further solidifying his impact on the franchise.
2024: Wade Mends Relationship with Riley
Dwyane Wade mended his relationship with Miami Heat President Pat Riley at the funeral of Wade's long-time agent, Henry Thomas, in January 2018.