A statue honoring Dwayne Wade will stand outside the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami Heat. ESPN claims that the team shocked their former star by making the announcement on Sunday, January 14.
Wade’s career and his accomplishments to the Southeast Division team were honored at a ceremony hosted by the Heat organization. The celebration was organized by the legendary basketball player Pat Riley, who reiterated his earlier remarks that Wade was the “forever” face of the team.
Riley addressed Wade and the boisterous assembly, saying, “When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane was the face of this franchise forever, and I meant it.” “Dwayne’s legacy is immense for Miami-Wade County as well as the Miami Heat. There isn’t a greater way to remember him than by keeping that legacy alive.
Wade fought back tears as he was visibly choked up with the gesture. The native of Chicago thanked the Heat while still struggling to find the right words. Wade replied, “I didn’t dream of this.” I’m really appreciative.
Oscar Leon and Omri Amrany, two sculptors, will be brought on board by the Heat, according to the site. Sports fans are familiar with Amrany’s creations because he was the artist behind the monuments honoring Dirk Nowitzki, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan. The statue of the three-time NBA Championship victor will be unveiled in the autumn of 2024.
In 2020, the Heat retired DWade’s No. 3 jersey. The NBA then recognized “The Flash” by including him on the team celebrating its 75th anniversary. The sportsman was then inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Wade also plans to give $3 million to Marquette, his alma mater, in other places. The athlete will donate money to the university over a 20-year period, according to ESPN. The former star’s kind donation was made public by the school when the WNBA owner watched Marquette’s game versus Villanova on Monday, January 15.
Marquette’s summer reading program will be funded in part by the $3 million grant. Wade’s donation will also aid in the creation of the low-income student Wade Scholars program. The money will also support Marquette University’s athletic program and build a new practice space for the men’s basketball team. Wade will be honored in the court’s name.
