The Miami Heat have set a date to honor one of the greatest players in franchise history during the 2024-25 NBA season.
The Heat have had many legends wear the franchise’s jersey over the years. And while not all of them were honored after their time in Miami, this retired star will have his team contributions fully displayed.
“When we retired his jersey in February 2020, I said Dwyane (Wade) is the face of this franchise forever and I meant it,” Heat president Pat Riley said in January. “Dwyane’s legacy is immense, not only to the Miami Heat, but to Miami-Wade County. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by commemorating that legacy.”
Not only is Wade the leader of this franchise in nearly every statistical category, but he has also brought numerous championships to the city of Miami. A jersey hanging in the rafters is an honor in itself, but the Heat have chosen to take it a step further by display a statue of the star outside the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The statue’s unveiling will take place during a two-day ceremony dedicated to Marquette product contributions on October 27 and 28. Omri Amrany and Oscar Leon of Rotblatt Amrany Studio were privileged to create this statue of Wade following his previous creations of the “Black Mamba” statue in Los Angeles honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianni, as well as the “Michael Jordan Spirit” statue in Chicago.
The celebration will feature a performance by another Miami legend, rapper Rick Ross. Additionally, Wade will be in attendance at the team’s home game against the Pistons on October 28 and will address the team and its fans at halftime.
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