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Here’s the Truth About Dwyane Wade’s Viral Miami Heat Statue
Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Just recently, the unveiling of Dwyane Wade’s statue for the Miami Heat caused a lot of backlash due to how the end result came out to be. In turn, the NBA icon revealed the truth about his statue, his part in it, and how the late Kobe Bryant was part of the process.

The recent unveiling of Wade’s statue outside Miami’s Kaseya Center has sparked a wave of criticism, with many fans claiming the bronze sculpture bears little resemblance to the NBA star. Capturing a memorable moment from 2009, when Wade famously declared, “this is my house” after a game-winning shot, the statue has drawn mixed reactions. Some observers have even noted that the statue’s face resembles actors like Laurence Fishburne or Kelsey Grammer more than Wade himself.


Here's the Truth About Dwyane Wade's Viral Miami Heat Statue 1 Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade poses with his statue in front of the Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Amid the backlash, sculptor Omri Amrany defended his work, stating that art often evokes strong emotions, and not every response will be positive. He emphasized that he believes the statue represents Wade’s legacy and expressed pride in the collaboration, noting that Wade was actively involved in the design process. Wade himself has shown support for the statue, calling it one of the best creations due to its personal significance.

Despite the critical feedback, both Wade and Amrany maintain their enthusiasm for the piece, highlighting its importance in commemorating Wade’s illustrious career. Wade’s achievements include three championships and being the all-time leader in several statistical categories for the Miami Heat, underscoring his legendary status in the sport.

The Truth About Dwyane Wade’s Viral Miami Heat Statue Revealed


Paul Pierce Asks for Dwyane Wade Statue 'Redo' After Heat Tribute Draws Backlash 5 May 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Former basketball player Dwyane Wade attends a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Even through all the criticism, Wade revealed what happened before his Miami Heat statue was unveiled in public. This can be seen in an Instagram post Rachel Nichols shared on her official Instagram account.

Wade, who recently unveiled his own statue, noticed a minor flaw in Kobe Bryant’s statue while visiting the sculptor. Wade pointed out that during his competitive career, he often guarded the move depicted in the statue and felt the leg was positioned slightly too high.


Paul Pierce Asks for Dwyane Wade Statue 'Redo' After Heat Tribute Draws Backlash 6 Nov 21, 2023; Honolulu, HI, USA; NBA star Dwyane Wade is present supporting the Marquette Golden Eagles as they play the Kansas Jayhawks at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Erler-USA TODAY Sports

Despite this small critique, Wade expressed his admiration for having his statue alongside Bryant’s, highlighting their shared legacy in the NBA. This moment underscores the respect both players have for each other, celebrating their contributions to basketball history while acknowledging the artistry involved in their memorials.


Here's the Truth About Dwyane Wade's Viral Miami Heat Statue 4 Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade poses with his statue in front of the Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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