Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade had a memorable reaction as the franchise unveiled its statue of him for the first time.
After the bronze likeness was revealed on Sunday, Wade awkwardly asked the crowd outside of the Kaseya Center: “Who is that guy?”
The Heat announced the building of the statue in January and said that Wade’s likeness would be released the day before the 21st anniversary of his professional debut.
The statue pays homage to Wade’s legendary “this is my house” game-winner against the Chicago Bulls in 2009.
Wade said “it’s one of the best statues ever created,” according to team reporter Will Manso.
“I didn’t play for this,” Wade said during his speech, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. “I didn’t pick up a basketball for this. I picked up a basketball to change my family’s life. … I could not have written this script any better.”
Miami drafted Wade fifth overall in 2003. The Marquette product played 14 of his 16 NBA seasons in South Beach and contributed to the franchise’s championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. He won the 2006 Finals MVP, received 13 All-Star nods, and made eight All-NBA teams over his career.
Wade is the franchise leader in points, assists, steals, made field goals, minutes, and games.
The statue caused a variety of notable reactions on social media.
