Dwyane Wade Talks Supporting Son Zion's Participation at Miami Pride

Dwyane Wade's son Zion attended the Miami Pride parade in April with his stepmother Gabrielle Union and his siblings, and the Miami Heat star spoke to Ramin Setoodeh of Variety about supporting his son.

"I don't really talk about it much because it's Zion's story to tell. I think as a family, we should support each other. That's our job," he said. "And my job as a father is to facilitate their lives and to support them and be behind them in whatever they want to do."

"I'm asked a question about my kids a lot from a sports perspective," he added. "I think people expect you to parent each kid the same. They are all different, and I have to get to know them and where they are. I have to say to most parents, get to know your kids. Don't put your wants and needs on them."

Wade also expressed his support for Zion, then 11 years old, in April, posting on his Instagram story, "We support each other with Pride!" Wade was praised for that post, though he said any praise—or criticisms of his son and family attending Miami Pride—made him uncomfortable:

"This is my job as a father. I'm very uneasy about accolades that come from supporting my kids or the negativity that comes from it. I'm doing what every parent has to do. Once you bring kids into this world, you become unselfish. It's my job to be their role model, to be their voice in my kids' lives, to let them know you can conquer the world. So, go and be your amazing self and we're going to sit back and just love you."

The 37-year-old Wade retired after the 2018-19 season, following a legendary career that included three titles, 13 All-Star appearances and two first-team All-NBA selections. He's a future Hall of Famer, without question, though it's clear he views fatherhood as his most important role.