Dwyane Wade, a Miami Heat legend and Hall of Famer, now stands immortalized in bronze outside the Kaseya Center. The unveiling ceremony on Sunday marked a milestone for Wade and the Heat organization, making him the first player in team history to receive a statue. Yet, while fans celebrated his career, some couldn’t help but notice that the statue itself seemed a bit off.
Dwyane Wade: “That’s Crazy. Who’s That Guy?”
Wade, visibly emotional, approached the statue for the first time during the ceremony. As he stared up at the towering figure, he laughed, exclaiming, “That’s crazy. Who’s that guy?” His reaction mirrored the sentiment shared widely on social media, where fans expressed mixed opinions about the statue’s likeness. Comments ranged from “That’s Wayne Dade” to jokes comparing the statue’s face to Wade’s on-court persona but with “a bit too much tossed salad and scrambled eggs.”
Miami Heat President Pat Riley, who announced the statue’s creation eight months ago, emphasized its significance. “As the greatest player ever in Miami Heat history, yes, it’s his day, it’s his family’s day,” Riley said, referring to Wade’s legacy. Wade himself, however, took a lighthearted approach, repeatedly admiring the statue with a grin and sharing his disbelief with the crowd.
For fans who consider Wade an essential part of Miami’s identity, the statue is a fitting tribute to the three-time NBA champion. Yet, the statue’s unveiling also sparked lively debate online. “The Miami Heat should’ve had a contest where they showed this picture to 1,000 fans,” joked ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington. “Anyone who guesses it’s Dwyane Wade gets to keep the statue.”
Wade, who retired in 2019 after 16 seasons in the NBA, is not only celebrated for his athletic accomplishments but also for his role in transforming the Heat franchise. “I think it’s one of the best statues that’s been created,” Wade shared, reflecting on what the honor meant to him. “It represents so much for us and for me.”
As Miami hosted the unveiling on the 21st anniversary of Wade’s debut with the team, the celebration will continue in-game as the Heat face Detroit, honoring Wade’s impact on and off the court.