The Miami Heat honored Dwyane Wade by unveiling a statue of the basketball legend outside the Kaseya Center in Miami, making him the first Heat player with a statue outside the arena. The statue was revealed at a ceremony that took place about eight months after team president Pat Riley announced plans to solidify Wade’s legacy with the Heat. Wade expressed his gratitude at the ceremony, stating that he never expected this moment and that he picked up the basketball to change his family’s life rather than to receive such an honor. He also mentioned feeling lucky because people believed in him. The statue, designed by Timeless Creations’ Omri Amrany and Oscar León, sits prominently outside the front doors of the Kaseya Center, capturing Wade in a celebratory pose.
After being surprised by the statue, which he jokingly remarked didn’t quite resemble him, Wade expressed his appreciation for the piece at a news conference. He reflected on the significance of the statue, calling it one of the best statues ever created due to what it represents for him and the Heat. Wade spent 13 seasons with the Heat, becoming the all-time leading scorer for the team and winning numerous accolades, including being a part of two NBA championship-winning teams and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Wade was one of the Heat’s famed Big Three alongside LeBron James and Chris Bosh from 2010 to 2014, a period during which the team achieved great success in the league.
The celebration of Wade’s legacy continued with a special Wade-themed game night that included video tributes and a halftime address from Wade himself during the Miami Heat’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Monday’s game also marked the 21st anniversary of Wade’s first game with the team. Throughout the event, Wade expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their support and mentioned that he believes he gave them something solid to hold on to. Wade’s connection to the city and the team was clearly evident during the ceremony as he proudly declared, “This is my house. I’m out,” signifying the impact he had on the franchise and its fans.
Wade’s accomplishments as a player, both with the Heat and on the international stage, were highlighted during the event. Alongside the statue, a wall lists Wade’s numerous career achievements, showcasing his status as one of the greatest players in Miami Heat history. Wade was part of the iconic Big Three era that brought success to the Heat, including two NBA championships and four Eastern Conference championships. Alongside Udonis Haslem, Wade is one of two players who were a part of all three Miami Heat championship teams, solidifying his place in the team’s history.
The unveiling of the statue served as a fitting tribute to Wade’s impact on the Miami Heat franchise and the city of Miami. Despite the humorous commentary on the likeness of the statue, the sentiment behind the gesture was clear – honoring a player who not only excelled on the court but also made a lasting impact off it. Wade’s journey from a young player looking to change his family’s life to becoming a basketball icon with a statue outside the Kaseya Center is a testament to his dedication, talent, and impact on the sport of basketball. The event was a celebration of Wade’s legacy and the mark he left on the Heat franchise and its fans, culminating in a memorable and emotional moment for those in attendance.
