Dwyane Wade is one of the most recognizable faces in Miami Heat history. But fans might not know that the statue unveiled outside of the team’s home stadium on Sunday night is supposed to honor a Miami icon.
The eight-foot statue, designed by Timeless Creations’ Omri Amrany and Oscar León, went viral on social media after critics questioned whether it resembled the 13-time All-Star.
Some said the statue looked more like Laurence Fishburne. Or Kelsey Grammer. Maybe Gary Sinise.
This is Wade’s house. pic.twitter.com/gM80oh7iFd
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 27, 2024
Others noted that Wade’s visage in the artwork looked more like the monsters from “I Am Legend” or the Creeper from the “Jeepers Creepers” franchise. At Sunday’s unveiling ceremony, Wade couldn’t help but joke about the dodgy bronze sculpture.
“That’s crazy, I can’t believe it,” he said with a smile. “Who is that guy?”
The three-time NBA champion showered praise on the statue later, calling it “beautiful.”
“It’s one of the best statues that’s ever been created,” Wade told a crowd of onlookers.
Social media critics were quick to disagree.
“The Dwayne Wade statue is so bad I’m losing hope in society,” X user Josh Becker wrote.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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