Dwyane Wade has officially become immortalized outside the Miami Heat arena, though not without some unintended fanfare. Over the weekend, the Heat unveiled a statue of their all-time leading scorer, making Wade the first player in franchise history to receive such an honor.
While the tribute was meant to capture Wade’s legendary career and all he’s done for Miami, the reaction online quickly turned the unveiling into a meme extravaganza, with fans taking aim at the statue’s questionable resemblance to the icon.
The unveiling came about eight months after Heat President Pat Riley announced the tribute, placing Wade in the same league as other NBA legends with statues. “This is crazy,” Wade remarked during the ceremony. He reflected on the importance of taking a moment to appreciate his legacy, sharing, “Life goes by so fast… I wanted to feel this, man. I wanted to look at it.” It was a heartfelt sentiment from Wade, yet fans on social media couldn’t help but voice their disappointment—and creativity.
Dwayne Wade on his statue:
“WHO’S THAT GUY.” 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/NGL7ZN2NYX
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) October 27, 2024
Once images of the statue hit the internet, reactions came in fast. Fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, roasted the statue, with many comparing it to infamous misfires, like the Ronaldo bust that sparked similar online derision. “Miami Heat did Dwyane Wade dirty,” one fan commented, while another wrote, “Dwayne Wade’s statue is some NASTY WORK.” Others took it further, with quips like, “Looks like Wade’s riding an invisible motorcycle,” and “This looks like it came straight off Temu.”
The internet’s merciless critique didn’t stop there. Users speculated on how such a glaring misrepresentation could have been approved, with one remarking, “Shame on whoever greenlit this—it doesn’t even look like Dwyane Wade.” The running joke was that Wade himself might be as baffled as his fans, with one post jokingly captioned, “Dwayne Wade trying to figure out who this statue is.”
Despite the social media firestorm, the ceremony marked a meaningful moment in the storied career of Wade, who led Miami to three NBA championships and is celebrated as the greatest player in the franchise’s history.
Riley affirmed as much, saying, “As the greatest player ever in Miami Heat history, yes, it’s his day.” A dedicated wall detailing Wade’s career achievements was also installed alongside the statue, anchoring Wade’s legacy at the forefront of the arena where fans can remember his impact on the franchise.
Dwayne Wade’s statue has been unveiled and he does not look happy about it pic.twitter.com/1CG9bGHaJj
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) October 28, 2024
An in-game celebration of Wade’s career is set to follow during Miami’s matchup against the Detroit Pistons, marking the 21st anniversary of Wade’s debut with the Heat. Although the statue’s look missed the mark for many fans, Wade’s legendary status remains undeniable, and his contributions to Miami basketball and his continuing influence in the league—now as a part-owner of the Utah Jazz—ensure that his place in NBA history is solidified, if a bit humorously, in bronze.
