Pat Riley Announces Dwyane Wade Is Getting A Statue Outside Of The Kaseya Center
It had to be a special moment if Miami Heat team president Pat Riley was appearing, and it was nothing short of that Sunday night.
During Dwyane Wade's Hall of Fame night, Riley announced that in Fall 2024, Wade will get the first statue in franchise history to live outside the arena.
A statue outside your arena is among the greatest honors a professional athlete can reach. The memories that Wade brought to the franchise will be cherished forever.
"When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane was the face of this franchise forever, and I meant it," Riley said. "Dwayne's legacy is a towering one not only for the Miami Heat but for Miami-Wade County. I can't think of a better way to honor him than by memorializing that legacy."
Wade fought back the tears the entire time and was speechless.
"I didn't dream of this. I'm just so grateful. I can't wait for that day," Wade shared. "I'm excited."
The statue will stand over 8 feet tall, as Riley joked to ensure it would stand taller than Shaquille O'Neal. Riley also said it was Micky Arison's idea to make this happen.
No one is more deserving to be the face of the franchise. From the moment Wade was drafted by the Heat, it was indeed his house.
So later this year, when you ride along 601 Biscayne Blvd, you will see a bronze statue of the greatest player in the history of the Miami Heat.
Devin Brown is a contributing writer to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at dbrwnjr@gmail.com or Twitter @dbrwnjr.
