Parenting in 2025 — where NBA legends weigh in on their kids’ role models and Twitter treats it like a UN summit. Dwyane Wade recently subtly said he’d prefer his daughter look up to A’ja Wilson rather than Angel Reese.
Of course, the internet being the internet is acting like Wade declared a civil war. Newsflash: parents are allowed preferences.
The 2024 first-round pick entered the WNBA with huge fanfare, carrying the Bayou Barbie persona from LSU to the pros. She quickly became “Chi-Town Barbie,” a name that resonated with Wade’s youngest daughter, Kaavia. Gabrielle Union once joked that Kaavia was a “stan for life” after discovering Reese’s alter ego, making her one of the Sky forward’s youngest fans.
But in just her first season, Reese’s story took a dramatic turn. Injuries slowed her, frustration bubbled over, and eventually, public criticism of teammates and skipped practices led to a team-issued suspension. Chicago’s front office, once hopeful that Reese would be a centerpiece, instead made it clear they were ready to “move on as a team.”
Wade, who purchased a minority stake in the Sky before Reese was drafted, had once seemed a natural ally to the young forward’s rise. Now, his message is more tempered — especially when it comes to the role models he wants for his daughter.
Speaking recently about Wilson, Wade was clear:
“She’s a role model. Not saying she’s trying to be one or not — she is,” Wade said. “And if my daughter wants to be an athlete, and wants to, that’s an example right here. If she’s doing a camp, she’s doing anything, go to A1, because she’s got it and she’s great. So, you know, obviously, man, I love it.”
For Wade, the difference is about stability and influence. While Reese’s future in Chicago remains uncertain, Wilson’s résumé speaks for itself: championships, MVPs, and a reputation for professionalism that transcends the court.
So whether you’re Team A’ja or Team Angel, can we all agree on one thing? At least Wade didn’t say “Look up to me.” That would’ve been so 2006.
