(/sigh) I can’t believe my proud franchise has come to this.
The Miami Heat unveiled the statue of legendary guard Dwayne Wade on Sunday, and let’s just say it left a lot to be desired.
Who did they get to model for the statue, Takeo Spikes?
I’m not sure if it’s the angle or the lack of light hitting the statue, but man this might be one of the worst statues I’ve ever seen dedicated to a player, and that’s saying something. It’s honestly incredible how much it doesn’t really look like Wade, outside of the number on his jersey. For a moment so iconic, so crucial to the lore of Wade, this is just insane.
Naturally, the internet went to town on it:
just wanted to pop in and say I am unreasonably angry at how that statue came out
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) October 27, 2024
So, people naturally hate the statue, and rightfully so. The face of the Miami Heat being depicted like THAT is horrible. However, with the light and ground level perspective, it does look a bit different:
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
You can clearly see his eyes and his face in there, and it definitely looks like Wade from there. However, it’s just brutal, kind of a wet fart on a beautiful moment and ceremony.
Wade himself loved it, so that’s all that matters.
Dwyane Wade says his first reaction in seeing his statue was “that’s beautiful.”
Says he’s biased, but “it’s one of best statues ever created.” pic.twitter.com/1EB70rOGdA
— Will Manso (@WillManso) October 27, 2024
Good for Wade, my favorite basketball player and the reason I love watching basketball. Yet, man, the initial reveal of that statue made him look like Nipsey Russell from The Wiz and I can’t unsee that.