Dwyane Wade Embraces Miami Statue Despite Mixed Reactions: “They Did an Amazing Job” [Video]

Dwyane Wade is taking the unveiling of his new statue at Miami’s Kesaya Center in stride, even as fans debate whether it resembles him. Rather than expecting an exact likeness, Wade shared Monday that the statue was intended to be an “artistic” representation of his memorable “This is my house!” celebration—a moment he says captures his connection with the city and the Heat organization.

Miami Heat reporter Zachary Weinberger shared clips of the Hall of Famer discussing the statute with press Monday.

“Sitting down with the Miami Heat and myself, what we wanted to do was capture a moment that represented the organization, represented myself, and represented the city,” Wade explained before the Heat’s game against the Detroit Pistons. “We felt like we captured that moment in an artistic form.”

Wade noted that for him, the likeness isn’t as important as the spirit of the sculpture. “If I wanted it to look like me, I would just stand outside the arena and y’all would take photos. It doesn’t need to look like me. It’s an artistic version of a moment we’re trying to cement.”

Wade also expressed appreciation for sculptor Omri Amrany and the creative team, who faced criticism after the reveal. “They did an amazing job,” he said, adding, “I don’t know a lot of people with a statue, do you? Anybody in here? Ya’ll know anything about the process of a statue? No one out there does either.”