Many aspire to mirror the dreamlike career of Michael Jordan. Chicago native Dwyane Wade is among the few who followed through. From 2003 to 2019, the Flash fought tooth and nail to carve a path for himself, securing a Finals MVP and 3 NBA championships along the way. Finally, to recognize his contributions, the Miami Heat is set to immortalize D-Wade’s legacy with a statue.

Ahead of the huge honor, the Heat legend fondly reflected on his younger self, who grew up admiring Michael Jordan‘s statue in Chicago and was inspired to dream of the future he currently lives. 

Dwyane Wade talks about Michael Jordan’s legacy

Craig Melvin from TODAY asked Wade for his initial thoughts regarding the Miami Heat’s statue announcement. In response, the 13x All-Star harked back in time to talk about the importance of the Chicago Bulls legend’s statue and the profound impact it had on him. 

“I thought about the kid who grew up in Chicago in 1993 who heard that Michael Jordan had a  statue. And I thought about…everything it meant for all the fans around the world to come to Chicago and take those photos with that statue and so I said, wow like, now I have that. My family has that, and families across the world will be able to share that moment,” shared Wade.

Being a Chicago native, the Flash shares a strong connection with the city. Naturally, Jordan’s statue in Chicago inspired countless local hoopers including Wade. He conveyed how people would flock daily to watch Jordan’s statue, making it a part of the city’s fabric. Now, ahead of the huge honor, he recognized the unique opportunity to create a similar source of pride and inspiration for the city of Miami.

Dwyane Wade’s new statue outside the Kaseya Center echoes the historical past of the legend and inspires the creation of a legacy that future generations can look up to with admiration and joy. Much like a young D-Wade would do with His Airness.

Michael Jordan’s statue in Chicago 

Jordan’s statue is a cherished gem among Chicago’s tourist attractions and sees visitors from around the globe. Crowds gather at the United Center, to capture moments in front of it. The statue was unveiled on November 1, 1994, which saw the attendance of Larry King, Jerry Reinsdorf, and His Airness himself. 

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Standing tall at 12 feet, the bronze statue is adorned with the inscription “A River Runs Through It.” This was added after Michael Jordan’s second retirement in 1998. This engraving, alongside a comprehensive list of his basketball accomplishments, achievements, honors, and records, encapsulates the essence of Jordan’s remarkable career.

The statue was relocated to the United Center’s east as of March 2017, ensuring its significance in the hearts of those who visit. Dwyane Wade’s statue will be unveiled in the autumn of this year.

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