Dwyane Wade had an illustrious career with the Miami Heat. The 6’4″ Shooting Guard won three NBA Titles with the Heat franchise in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Wade averaged 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists for his career. He is considered the greatest player in Miami Heat history. On Sunday afternoon Wade was celebrated for his great career with a statue of his likeness in front of the Kaseya Center.
For NBA players this is a rare honor. However, this is something most of them never think of while they are playing. Competition is very fierce and these players are locked in. Wade was definitely locked in and he stated that during his speech at the unveiling of his statue.
“I didn’t play for this. I didn’t pick up a basketball for this. I picked up a basketball to change my family’s life.”
Dwyane Wade is from Chicago and wanted to play in the NBA to better his family’s situation. That desire was the driving force behind his success as a three-time NBA Champion and NBA Hall-Of-Famer. Wade also stated that this honor humbled him greatly. He expressed his gratitude to Heat Nation about how happy this made him.
“I could not have written this script any better. I know it’s bigger than me. I know this moment goes way beyond just now.”
Dwyane Wade’s NBA legacy was already cemented. However, having this statue puts him in rare air with some of the greats who have statues, such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson. It is a great gesture from the Miami Heat organization to a player who helped put the franchise at the top of the NBA.
