Dion Waiters: 'My mom got shot. My dad got shot. My grandma got shot in the head and survived'

Dion Waiters: "I’ve been through real stuff in my life. My mom got shot. My dad got shot. My grandma got shot in the head and survived. I lost my best friend, three cousins. I’ve seen things as a kid that people can’t even imagine. So when people try to break me down and build me back up, I’m like, 'No, I’ve already been through the worst.' That’s the gift and the curse—it’s what made me who I am. That confidence people talk about? I needed that to survive, just coming up in the city. It’s not about thinking I’m better than anyone; it’s about being a dog, being tough. That’s what Philly taught me."

Source: YouTube

More on this storyline

Growing up in the challenging streets of Philadelphia, Waiters' love for the game was born from a series of life-altering events that shaped his career and identity. Raised in a tough neighborhood, basketball initially served as an escape rather than a calling. However, it wasn't until an unthinkable tragedy struck that the sport became a focal point in Dion's life. "My mom got shot, so what happened was, I had one of them old-school coaches; they don't give a [expletive] how good you were; I'm one of the best players on the team," Waiters said. "So my mom gets shot; long story short, I wind up missing practice; I was home taking care of her… The coach was like, 'You know, I can't do that for the kids that have been here working; you know you can work your way back up, and at the same time… and then, my mom just came out of nowhere and was like, 'Just hoop, just play ball,'" he added. -via Basketball Network / December 10, 2024

"There’s a rumor that me and Kyrie fought. Never. Not once. That’s my dog. We never had a physical altercation, ever. People said we argued, but it wasn’t even me—it was Tristan Thompson. We were just frustrated after losing by 30. It was nothing but competitiveness. That’s how it is when you’re trying to win and feed your family. That made us closer. I can put that on my life and my kids—me and Kyrie never fought." -via YouTube / December 10, 2024

Dion Waiters: "I own all my properties, have Airbnbs, and daycares. Every crib I bought, I own outright. I told my mom in 10th grade I’d get her a house, and I did. We built it from the ground up—no mortgage. She’s straight for life. I’ve made investments, and I’m still living comfortably with money in the bank. It’s about learning and making smarter decisions after experiencing life." -via YouTube / December 10, 2024

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Dion Waiters: 'My mom got shot. My dad got shot. My grandma got shot in the head and survived'