The Miami Heat unveiled a statue on Sunday to honor Dwyane Wade, making him the first player in the team's history to receive such a tribute. The decision to erect the statue was announced by team president Pat Riley eight months ago, and it finally came to fruition with the unveiling ceremony.
Wade holds the distinction of being Miami's all-time leading scorer and is one of only two players, along with Udonis Haslem, to have been part of all three Heat teams that clinched NBA championships. The statue captures a defining moment in Wade's career, depicting his iconic 'This is my house' celebration when he leaped onto a courtside table after sinking a buzzer-beater to defeat Chicago in double overtime back in 2009.
Expressing his emotions at the ceremony, Wade remarked, 'This is crazy. I wanted to feel this. Life goes by so fast, and it's very rare that we get to feel things, because we're always off to the next thing... I wanted to feel this, man. I wanted to look at it.'
The celebration will continue on Monday during the Heat's game against the Detroit Pistons, coinciding with the 21st anniversary of Wade's debut with the franchise. Wade, a revered member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, joins an elite group of former Heat players whose numbers have been retired by the team, including Haslem, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, Shaquille O'Neal, and Alonzo Mourning.
Describing Wade as the 'greatest player ever in Miami Heat history,' Riley emphasized that the day of the statue unveiling was a momentous occasion for Wade and his family. The statue, located outside the team's arena, is accompanied by a wall detailing Wade's illustrious career achievements.
In addition to his legacy on the basketball court, Wade has expanded his horizons as a part-owner of the Utah Jazz and through various business ventures. The statue serves as a lasting tribute to his impact on the Miami Heat franchise and the NBA as a whole.
For more NBA news, visit AP NBA.
