“I grew up with my mom in prison”- Dwyane Wade reflects on how his mother’s crippling addiction had negative impact on him

Former NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade is starting with his second innings. After hanging the Miami Heat jersey back in 2019, he is coming back to television with Prime Video. Recently, the NBA Hall of Famer appeared for an interview with GQ. Wade not only spoke about his upcoming project as a basketball analyst but also reflected on how his mother’s addiction to alcoholism and drugs impacted him negatively.

Dwyane Wade reveals how his mother’s addiction to drugs and alcoholism had a negative impact on him

During a recent interview with GQ, Dwyane Wade reflected on one of the toughest times of his life. The NBA Hall of Famer mentioned how he always wanted to have a decent life, and his mom’s addiction with drugs and alcoholism has played an important role in achieving it today. Wade even revealed that he grew up with his mother, Jolinda Wade in a prison. He revealed,

“I grew up with my mom in prison. That sucked. Life sucked. The life that I’m able to live and experience now is like, Come on, man! You know what I mean?”Despite going through a lot in his life and achieving so much career-wise, he is kind and warm and it gets reflected in Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade has added a new chapter in his life.

He is the basketball analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming NBA season. Reportedly, he would be working as both a studio analyst and in-game commentator for the 2025-26 NBA season.

Dwyane Wade’s mother admits to being proud of her son for being there while she was struggling with addiction

During an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends’ special segment back in July 2025, Dwyane Wade’s mother, Jolinda Wade, revealed being proud of her NBA son. While reflecting on one of the darkest moments in her life, Mama Wade said, “You are and have always been a blessing. A blessing to me and so many others whose lives you have touched.”

She recalled how Dwyane Wade was in touch with her when she was incarcerated“I remember how we became pen pals when I was incarcerated. Your letters got me through each day and enabled me to be a part of all the wonderful things that were happening in your life.” Jolinda Wade praised the Heat’s alum for beautifully accepting his daughter Zaya after she came out as transgender in 2020. Also Read: Dwyane Wade's wife Gabrielle Union graces social media with nostalgic ‘Bring It On’ 25-year anniversary video