A bronze statue of NBA icon Dwyane Wade, revealed at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, has sparked debate on social media, with some users claiming it looks ‘completely unrecognizable’.
The statue, standing at 8ft, was unveiled amidst much fanfare, with walls pulled back, smoke swirling, and cheers from the crowd, enhanced by dramatic flames in the background. Wade, donning a Miami Heat jersey with his iconic number three, is depicted with arms raised and fingers pointing downward, capturing the essence of his legendary moment on March 9, 2009, during his sixth NBA season.
The base of the statue bears the words “This is my house!”, echoing Wade’s triumphant shout after scoring an unforgettable shot in 2009. Despite the excitement of the unveiling, some social media users expressed difficulty in recognizing Wade’s likeness without prior news coverage or Wade’s presence at the event.
Dwyane Wade’s Heat career
-15 seasons
-3 championships
-All-time leader in points, games, assists, and steals
-1 completely unrecognizable statue— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 27, 2024
Critics voiced their opinions online, with one user commenting on the challenge of capturing such an emotional expression. Another sarcastically likened the statue to a character from the Avengers, while others questioned the decision-making behind the sculpture’s approval.
Artists Oscar León and Omri Amrany, responsible for the statue, revealed insights into their creative process. León described the effort to surpass their past work in design, execution, and composition. The statue, crafted from approximately 700 to 800 pounds of clay, posed challenges, especially in achieving the illusion of Wade being airborne.
Wade played an active role in the creation, offering feedback and minor adjustments. He humorously noted his attention to detail, particularly concerning his facial features. Ultimately, Wade expressed satisfaction with the final piece, with León noting that all of Wade’s desired changes were implemented.
During a Sunday news conference, Wade, quoted by the Miami Herald, expressed pride in the statue, highlighting its significance to him and the community.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports that Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat statue is criticized by fans for not resembling him, sparking debate over its accuracy and representation.(read more)
- FTW USAToday: The Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade statue received a cold reception, with fans mocking its resemblance and Paul Pierce calling for a replacement, highlighting the challenges of capturing an athlete’s likeness in a tribute.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What does the Dwyane Wade statue look like?
The statue shows Wade in a Miami Heat jersey, arms raised, fingers pointing down, capturing a 2009 iconic moment.
Why are people talking about the Dwyane Wade statue?
The statue sparked debate on social media due to its controversial likeness, with some finding it unrecognizable.
Who created the Dwyane Wade statue?
Artists Oscar León and Omri Amrany created the statue using 700 to 800 pounds of clay.
Did Dwyane Wade approve the statue’s design?
Yes, Wade actively participated, providing feedback and ensuring his desired changes were made.
What was the reaction to the statue unveiling?
The unveiling had fanfare and mixed reactions, with some praising it and others criticizing its likeness.
