Dwyane Wade has become the first Miami Heat player to have a statue erected outside the team’s arena, though the tribute has left some fans questioning its appropriateness.
The statue was unveiled on Sunday, eight months after team president Pat Riley first announced plans for the honor. Wade, a 13-time All-Star and Miami’s all-time leading scorer, is one of only two players, alongside Udonis Haslem, to have been part of all three Heat championship teams. “This is crazy,” Wade remarked during the unveiling. “I wanted to feel this. Life moves so quickly, and it’s rare that we get to truly experience moments like these. ... I wanted to feel this, man. I wanted to look at it.”
However, not everyone was as enthusiastic about the statue, which bears only a vague resemblance to Wade, drawing comparisons to a widely ridiculed depiction of Cristiano Ronaldo. “Man, who the hell is this??? The Miami Heat did Dwyane Wade dirty with this statue lmao,” one social media user commented. Another referenced Wade’s decision to join the Chicago Bulls towards the end of his career, writing, “When Pat Riley won’t give you max money so you have to sign with the Bulls.” Others suggested the statue bore a stronger resemblance to actor Laurence Fishburne than to Wade.
Wade, who is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, is one of six former Heat players to have their number retired by the team, along with Haslem, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, and Alonzo Mourning. “As the greatest player ever in Miami Heat history, yes, it’s his day, it’s his family’s day,” Riley stated.
The statue is accompanied by a wall detailing Wade’s career achievements and has been placed outside the main entrance of the team’s arena. In addition to his many business ventures, Wade is now a part-owner of the Utah Jazz.
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