by Jimmy Butler is proud of Dwyane Wade for seeing his portrait become a permanent fixture outside the Kaseya Center.
However, he believes that over the next few years other players will take their place outside the arena. He believes others deserve to be immortalized like Wade.
“I’m pretty sure he won’t be the last one to get one, but what a way to lead by example,” Butler said Monday night. “I mean, this guy has done so much for this organization. He’s my brother. I’m proud of him.”
Wade, who led Miami to three NBA titles, has had his statue under scrutiny since Sunday night because many people believe it looks nothing like him.
The Heat legend has spoken out in defense of his statue.
“If I wanted it to look like me, I would just stand outside the arena and you all can take pictures,” Wade said. “It doesn’t have to look like me. It’s an artistic version of a moment that happened that we’re trying to cement.”
Wade seems to take all the comments with enthusiasm.
“I care, but I don’t care,” Wade said. “The world of social media is all about opinions. Everyone has an opinion.”
Wade is one of six Heat players whose jersey hangs in the rafters. He is joined by Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Richmond, Chris Bosh and Shaquille O’Neal.
Scott Salomon is a contributor to Miami Heat On Si. He can be reached at sas@southfloridamedianetwork.com.
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