‘Oh no’: NBA fans roast Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade’s statue

NBA fans couldn’t believe their eyes when Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade’s statue was unveiled, sparking widespread disbelief.

NBA fans have declared Dwyane Wade’s new statue a crime against bronze after it was unveiled on Monday (AEDT).

Wade’s old coach and current Miami Heat president Pat Riley announced the Heat legend would be immortalised in the franchise’s first ever statue.

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The three-time NBA champion and 13-time All Star was present outside the Heat’s Kasea Center, where the statue was officially revealed.

The statue captures Wade with his arms out and fingers pointing down, referencing his iconic “This is my house” celebration.

Getting the first glimpse at the statue, Wade pointed at his likeness and said: “Who is that guy?”

Dwyane Wade's statue was unveiled outside Miami's home court. Photo: X.

Dwyane Wade looks on during the Pat Riley ceremony celebrating his court dedication at Kaseya Center. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

NBA fans were not convinced the face on the statue resembled Wade at all. Many believed the 42-year-old got dudded by the Cristiano Ronaldo treatment. If you know, you know.

NBA podcaster Chris Vernon wrote on X: “Dear kids, some of yall become statue makers. The world needs you. Signed, sports fans.”

Kevin O’Connor said: “All due respect, how did this face get approved?”

Former Australian tennis player John Millman posted: “Are statues meant to look like the subject? Or is this an artistic take?”

Oh no. pic.twitter.com/XlUAsP5EWW

— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) October 27, 2024

That is your house indeed; forever @DwyaneWade ⚡️🙌 pic.twitter.com/EC7h0K4oBZ

— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2024

For what it’s worth, finally getting up close to the Dwyane Wade statue and have to say it looks much better than in pictures.

I think the jawline is stronger so it really changes the face when you’re not looking up at it too much. pic.twitter.com/RSuWB8Ezbc

— Will Manso (@WillManso) October 27, 2024

pic.twitter.com/JPPnWK3fd7

— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) October 27, 2024

The dwayne wade statue looks like hes riding a invisible motorcycle pic.twitter.com/eNplDdjpCZ

— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) October 27, 2024

The sculptors, who also made Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s statues, said: “At the end of the day we want to do the best job possible with human hands.”

Wade is the latest NBA legend to have a statue made in is honour after Philadelphia 76ers immortalised Allen Iverson and the Dallas Mavericks honoured Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway jumpshot.

Dwyane Wade (L), LeBron James (C) and Chris Bosh (R) celebrate the Miami Heat 2013 championship. Picture: AFP PHOTO / Brendan SMIALOWSKI.

Wade’s jersey No. 3 was retired by the Heat in 2020. He is one of six former Heat players to have their jersey number retired — along with Udonis Haslem, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning.

Wade is a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and was named to the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.

“As the greatest player ever in Miami Heat history, yes, it’s his day, it’s his family’s day,” Pat Riley said.

Originally published as ‘Oh no’: NBA fans roast Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade’s statue