Wade’s baby is Kaavia — as his tattoo makes clear
INDIANAPOLIS — Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade formally revealed the name of his newborn daughter in an Instagram post Thursday.
Kaavia James Union Wade it is. Wade currently is away from the Heat, expected to rejoin the team as soon as Tuesday’s game at AmericanAirlines Arena against the Brooklyn Nets or possibly next Friday’s game in his Chicago hometown.
The Heat have intervening games Friday against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and Sunday against LeBron James and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.
Wade currently is in the Los Angeles area with his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, and daughter.
Wade, who revealed a tattoo on his shoulders with his daughter’s first and middle name, posted on Instagram, “#TBT Goes back to that one night in China when i decided to get my daughters name tattooed on me. Kaavia James Union Wade! #paternityleave” ”
Heat power forward Udonis Haslem is the baby’s godfather.
Wade discussed the experience and logistics over the weekend with the Associated Press, saying, “With my daughter coming a couple weeks early, she’s a little tiny right now, so we’re making sure health-wise that she’s OK. And for me, once I leave and go back to the season, not really being able to be with me everywhere I go, this time right now, this bonding moment with my daughter is the most important thing in my life at this time.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been stressing the team’s emphasis of family first.
“As much time as he needs,” he said during a media briefing. “Obviously, this is an incredible blessing for he and Gab. We’re thrilled for them.”
Wade, who also has three sons, has been chronicling his daughter’s first week on Instagram, posting Sunday, “Thanks for letting daddy watch some football!! We’re already working together well. #Myhappyplace#AFatherFirst #Beardown”