Dwyane Wade Set to be Immortalized in Miami, According to Pat Riley

Published 01/14/2024, 7:32 PM EST

It is the season of commemoration in the NBA. Names like Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan have all seen their careers receive their due flowers. One name to join the list next was Dwyane Wade. After a beautiful, if not hilarious, ceremony to celebrate his career, there was one last honor to bestow upon him. That’s where the Godfather of the NBA and the Miami Heat organization stepped in.

As reputed Barry Jackson would quickly put out on his Twitter space, “Pat Riley announces statue will be built for Dwyane Wade.” While many players have gotten this particular honor, few could claim to deserve it more than Wade, especially in the city of Miami. Hearing the announcement from a long-term leader and friend in Riley, the 3x NBA Champion was overcome with emotion.

Pat Riley announces statue will be built for Dwyane Wade
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 15, 2024

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Riley said, “When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane Wade was the face of this franchise forever and I meant it. Dwyane’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.”

After a heartwarming hug between the two Miami Heat legends, the image became official. “Dwyane Wade Statue – Coming Fall 2024″ was put in place on a wooden board for the soon-to-arrive 8-foot behemoth. Soon after, Wade would reveal his emotions with the entire ordeal.

Pat Riley surprises D-Wade with the announcement of a statue coming outside the Kaseya Center ⚡️
Wade will be the first statue in Miami Heat franchise history. pic.twitter.com/ZxsvsjwGKH
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2024

Safe to say, the former number 5 overall pick was at a loss for words.

Dwyane Wade sheds a tear

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With the magnitude of the moment and announcement setting in on him, The Flash couldn’t help as he got watery-eyed. Trying to find the words to explain his headspace with the announcement, Wade was truly speechless. Acknowledging it as such, he was quick to showcase his gratitude, especially to the Erikson and Riley families.

But he knew the impact such a statue could truly have. While his impact is already visible on the court in a multitude of ways, this statue could become a symbol of that patent Heat Culture for people from around the world. Wade understood that, and its significance, to the city and state of Miami and Florida.

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Here’s to a one-of-a-kind and a man who embraced a city with open arms. Here’s to Dwyane Wade, forever of the Miami Heat.

Dwyane Wade Sheds a Tear After Overwhelming Tribute Leaves Him Speechless: “Lost for Words…”

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My earliest memories of a connection to basketball was through its popularity in my school. Eventually, that gave way to a genuine passion for the sport and the rest, is history. Whether it be gameplay, the tactics, the narratives, or the sheer art on display, the game speaks to me in a way few other things can.

Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth

Dwyane Wade Set to be Immortalized in Miami, According to Pat Riley

Dwyane Wade sheds a tear

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