“Trust the process.” It’s been one of the NBA’s mantras for decades. But with how today’s game works, new-age players are finding ways to skip steps and jump into the league early. And that’s raised a serious question: are they really ready for what comes next? Sure, legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant shattered expectations straight out of high school. But not everyone’s cut from that cloth. Dwyane Wade? He’s one of those guys who believed in the process. He embraced the grind, learned the system, and gave himself the space to evolve into a Hall of Famer. And now, Wade’s got some hard-earned wisdom and a reality check that every rising star probably needs to hear.
Coming out of high school, Dwyane Wade wasn’t one of those can’t-miss prospects. Lightly recruited, he snagged a scholarship to Marquette University, where he grinded his way into the spotlight. By his junior year, Wade exploded for 21.5 points per game. And carried Marquette on a Cinderella run to the Final Four. That earned him All-American honors and a ticket to the loaded 2003 NBA Draft, where Miami snagged him with the fifth pick.
But before stepping onto the league’s biggest stage, Wade made a smart detour to work with the legendary Tim Grover. The same guy who shaped Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s careers. Wade knew the league would chew up anyone who wasn’t ready, so he tapped into Grover’s intense, no-nonsense training to toughen up, both mentally and physically.
Wade recently reflected on this during a podcast appearance, saying, “I learned it in high school, and I continued to learn it more in college. Went to the next level, and then once I entered the draft. And talk about the draft process, then I went to Tim Grover down at Hoops gym. Yeah, and not only was I getting that information from Tim Grover, I was getting that information from Joan Howard, Michael Finley.” Back then, getting access to Grover, whose client list includes Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, was like holding a golden ticket. The man behind those $5 million worth of lessons was one of the few gatekeepers to NBA readiness.
But times have changed. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, Wade pointed out how today’s young stars have far more resources at their disposal. “At the time to be able to get into a hoops everybody didn’t have that opportunity to play with all these pros, right? Everybody had the opportunity to play with people who have seen the game… Now it’s more exposure to it so they are the same way I was getting ready for the draft is the same way now every one of these kids get the opportunity because it’s not just a Tim Grover no more now it’s a it’s a Chris Johnson it’s a I’m not going to say other trainers because we on our show but it’s other other trainers other coaches out here.”
Jan 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade reacts after learning a statue will be erected outside of Kaseya Center in 2025, during a special ceremony during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
It’s a reality check and a subtle challenge from Wade. Privilege without purpose doesn’t guarantee greatness. And not every kid walking into these fancy gyms is built for the grind that comes after.
Dwyane Wade schools young hoopers on protecting their hard-earned cash in the league
With three NBA titles and nearly $200 million in career earnings, Dwyane Wade’s got plenty of wisdom to share about life on and off the court. And now, the 13-time All-Star is dishing out advice young athletes rarely hear loud enough: protect your money. “It’s really amazing that they’re having access to this money so young. But you’re also kind of fearful, not knowing who they have around them that know about money,” Wade said recently.
That sense of caution comes from experience. Wade admitted it took him over half a decade just to start getting a grip on his finances. “I came into the league as someone who had never really handled more than $500 at a time, and [suddenly] I’m making millions of dollars,” he shared. Now at 43, with business ventures and ownership deals under his belt, Wade hopes today’s rising stars like Caitlin Clark, already cashing million-dollar checks, start smarter than he did. His advice? Build your financial circle early.
“You have to find someone that you trust and admire that does well with their money. You are capable, because of your status and where you are, to be able to reach out to those individuals. Get a call with them. Ask them how and what to do with your money, and how to spend your money, and how to think about the money that you have.” Wade said.
Smart words from a guy who’s lived on both sides of it.
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