As Unrivaled Playoffs Loom, Dwyane Wade Dishes Lesson on All-Star Mindset to 24YO WNBA Star

“You understand the importance of role models, and so I want my daughter to have that same feeling.” Basketball icon Dwyane Wade said he’s always been a fan of the WNBA and became a part-owner of the Chicago Sky franchise in 2023. His 6-year-old daughter, Kaavia, was the biggest influence on the Heat icon’s becoming an investor. The 3x NBA champion’s association with women’s basketball doesn’t end there, as he recently was advising the Unrivaled players. One of them was the 24-year-old Sparks star Rae Burrell.

“When you become a star in this league, right? when you become an All-Star and all that, don’t lose this mentality that you have right now.” On his podcast, The Flash spoke to Unrivaled Vinyl guard. The mentality aspect that D-Wade wants Burrell to not lose is to keep learning from the veterans of the game. As those lessons not only make an impact on the current growth but become a measurement stick for future generations.

“So make sure that you continue to have this mentality even once you become an All-Star. That’s what makes the greats the greats because even when they get a taste of it, they want even more.” Importantly, Dwyane Wade also emphasized self-care when he spoke to the Tennessee Vols alum. “Like taking care of yourself, this is what makes your money. This is pay your bills, your family and so making sure that you take care of it is super, super important.”

Now that the Unrivaled playoffs have begun, the season has reached its business end. Before the playoffs, D-Wade was part of the Vinyl team’s one session on hardwood. Where he told the players to be confident and harped on communication being the key for success. It’s not the first time that D-Wade hung out with Burrell.

At the Miami Art Week, Dwyane Wade and Rae Burrell were among the attendees. The two caught up under the new 3×3 league, Unrivaled’s banner, posing with the newly unveiled Wilson basketball in the blue and white colorway for the league. The ever-competitive Heat icon also joked under the post, “@raehoops can’t guard me.” But Burrell didn’t back down, firing back in the most playful way: “@dwyanewade check up thennn 🤣.”

Apart from Dwyane Wade, other WNBA stars highlight Rae Burrell’s qualities

The 24-year-old has been part of W for 3 years now. But that journey was not easy for the 2022 first-round draft pick. The ninth overall pick played just three games for the Sparks before going under the knife to repair a knee injury. Later, the LA franchise released her in May. But would retain her via a hardship deal the first one of her stint. In June 2023, she once again signed a hardship deal and would represent the team for that season.

Last year in February, Rae Burrell signed a contract with the team. In June, against the Aces, she produced 7 points and 1 rebound in limited minutes. That’s when the team veteran, Dearica Hamby, credited the 24-year-old guard. “Rae’s been busting her a– in the practice. It’s hard when you’re putting in the work and you don’t feel like you’re being rewarded. She has just stayed ready and kept confidence in herself. You could see that the way she shot the ball.”

Even the recent star signing of the Sparks, Kelsey Plum, highly spoke about the two-way guard. “Rae Burrell’s a tremendous talent. And I think that she could be one of the best two-way guards in the league.” With the backing of veterans like Plum and Hamby, the Vols alum will find it easier to navigate the troubles of the league. That’s why Dwyane Wade advised to keep learning from them as Burrell looks to stamp her authority in the league.