A Statue to Immortalize an Iconic Moment
The 8-foot bronze statue, crafted by Rotblatt Amrany Studio sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar León, captures Wade in his defining moment, a pose he struck in 2009 after hitting a game-winning shot. The sculptors, who previously created statues of other legends like Kobe Bryant, reportedly worked closely with Wade to bring his vision to life. “I can’t believe this, man. This is out of body,” Wade shared, awestruck at seeing his likeness immortalized in bronze outside his long-time home court.
Miami Heat President Pat Riley praised Wade, calling him “the greatest player ever in Miami Heat history” and noting the impact Wade had on the city and its fanbase. Wade himself expressed his gratitude, humbly acknowledging his achievements with a poignant speech: “I didn’t play for this. I picked up a basketball to change my family’s life…I could not have written this script any better.”
“This is My House” – A Legacy Cemented
The statue unveiling marked more than Wade’s accomplishments; it was a tribute to the enduring legacy he created for the franchise. The moment depicted by the statue recalls Wade’s game-winner against the Bulls on March 9, 2009, where he stole the ball, hit a one-legged three-pointer in double overtime, and proclaimed, “This is my house!” That phrase, now immortalized, reflects Wade’s role as the embodiment of the Heat’s spirit, competitiveness, and resilience.
Wade’s dedication to the Miami Heat and the city extends beyond the court. Even after retirement and becoming part-owner of the Utah Jazz, Wade remains deeply connected to Miami, a place he calls home. “I believe I gave you guys something set in stone to hold onto,” Wade concluded with conviction, reminding fans of his unyielding bond with Miami.
Mixed Reactions – Another “Ronaldo Statue” Moment?
While Wade’s iconic status is beyond question, reactions to the statue’s likeness have been mixed. Some fans took to social media to roast the statue, with many saying it bears little resemblance to the three-time NBA champion. Comparisons to the infamous Cristiano Ronaldo bust (you know the one) — a statue widely criticized for its lack of resemblance to the soccer star — became a running joke. Reactions like “Miami Heat did Dwyane Wade dirty” and “Who is this?” circulated as the internet turned the statue into a meme.
Despite the humorous comparisons, Wade himself seems pleased with the finished work. “That’s beautiful,” Wade commented, marveling at the piece and sharing that his involvement in the statue’s creation made the unveiling even more meaningful.
Celebrating a Hall of Fame Career
The unveiling ceremony brought out notable figures from Miami’s sports world and beyond. Former teammate Udonis Haslem, Miami rapper Rick Ross, and other Heat legends like Alonzo Mourning and Ray Allen were present to celebrate Wade’s contributions. Riley, along with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, general manager Andy Elisburg, and managing partner Micky Arison, attended the event, honoring the player who helped define the Heat’s culture of excellence.
Throughout his career, Wade accumulated numerous accolades, including three NBA championships, a Finals MVP, and a 2008-09 NBA scoring title. The Heat retired his No. 3 jersey in 2020, and he joined the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. His legacy, marked by 13 All-Star selections and the respect of fans worldwide, is now set in stone at the Kaseya Center.
This is my house Dwyane Wade’s statue unveiling was a moment of immense pride for Miami and an enduring tribute to his transformative impact on the Heat. As Wade fittingly declared during the ceremony, “This is my house.” For fans, the statue stands as a constant reminder of the spirit, dedication, and leadership he brought to the game and to Miami.
