Dwyane Wade‘s recently unveiled statue is facing criticism as fans question its resemblance to the Miami Heat legend. On Sunday, the Heats cemented Dwyane’s place as an NBA legend and a team icon with the unveiling of an eight-foot statue made in his likeness. The bronze statue, debuted just eight months after the team president Pat Riley announced his plan to immortalize Dwyane’s legacy in a symbolic way, now sits outside the team’s Kaseya Center, its home for generations to come.
It gives a nod to the NBA champion’s iconic “This is my house” celebration of his 2009 double-overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. Dwyane Wade attended the official unveiling in Miami on Sunday, with his wife and kids on hand to support him. The three-time NBA champion gave an appreciation speech as the statue stood proud behind him, reflecting on the surreal experience. He remarked,
“That’s crazy. I can’t believe that. Who is that guy?”
He went on to express how surreal it felt to witness and feel the historic moment, as he became the first player in the team’s history to have a statue of himself erected outside the Heats’ arena. Yet, the historical and cultural significance of this moment was lost in the angry fan reactions.
Fans Outraged Over “Disrespectful” and “Hideous” Statue of Dwyane Wade
Although several fans have gleefully joined in the celebration of Dwyane Wade’s record-breaking accomplishments, many have blasted Miami Heat execs for approving a “horrendous” statue of the legend.
According to them, the Bronze edifice, which was accompanied by a wall listing all Dwyane’s athletic achievements through the years, in no way resembled the basketball great. They now demand a change of the erected statue or, at the very least, an altercation of the “disappointing” facial feature for a more dignifying one that does justice not only to the star’s NBA accomplishments but also his handsome looks. Many also called for the immediate firing or prosecution of those involved in creating the “monstrosity.” Reacting to a video of the statue unveiling which Dwyane Wade shared on Instagram, one enraged fan protested,
“Miamian here. @dwyanewade was not only a great player, he was also an incredible member of our community. Oh, and he is a fine-looking man. This thing looks nothing like him. We need to do right by him, even if we have to crowd-source a replacement.”
Another wrote,
“Nah, remake the statue. This ain’t right.”
A third comment read,
“This is NOT @dwyanewade face! This is plain disrespect!! Remake ASAP!!!”
Another read,
“He more than deserves this, but redo this statue. Idk who this is. SMH”
A fifth commenter fired,
“Y’all really tried this man like that? Statue looks horrendous- looks nothing like him.”
“Y’all need to take this down & try again,” commented another. Dwyane Wade, who is married to actress Gabrielle Union has recorded a handful of impressive achievements throughout his basketball career.
Before his retirement in 2019, the Miami Heat legend played 16 seasons in the NBA, making the All-Star pick 13 times, Additionally, the 42-year-old is one of just two players ever to appear on all three championship-winning Heat teams. Dwyane Wade is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and one of only six Miami Heat players to have their numbers retired. His long string of honors and achievements now stand forever immortalized along with his historic statue.
