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Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade addressed the controversy surrounding his newly unveiled statue outside the Heat’s arena in South Florida. The statue, revealed on Sunday, has sparked a mix of reactions, with many fans and onlookers claiming the statue doesn’t resemble Wade. Social media quickly flooded with memes, jokes, and criticisms, as some fans even questioned if the statue portrayed Wade accurately at all.

“I care, but I don’t,” Wade responded, via The Associated Press. “The social media world is about opinions. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone, use y’all opinions. Please talk more about us. Talk more about a statue, come on down to see it, take some photos, send some memes. We don’t care.”

The statue’s depiction stems from one of Wade’s iconic moments, a buzzer-beater shot against the Chicago Bulls in 2009, which led the Heat to a double-overtime victory. Although Wade himself played a significant role in the statue’s creation process, the end result surprised fans who anticipated a more recognizable likeness. Wade, however, doesn’t mind the artistic liberties taken.

“If I wanted it to look like me, I’d just stand outside the arena and y’all can take photos,” Wade said. “It don’t need to look like me. It’s the artistic version of a moment that happened that we’re trying to cement.”

The statue represents a significant milestone, not only for Wade but also for the Miami Heat organization, as Wade is the first player in the franchise’s history to receive such an honor. With three NBA titles and holding the title of the team’s all-time leading scorer, Wade’s legacy is well-earned. The statue required over 800 hours of craftsmanship, capturing a single, game-winning moment in Wade’s career that forever sealed his place in Heat history.

Though many have expressed frustration about the statue’s lack of resemblance to Wade, he was quick to defend the artists and the challenging process involved in creating a lasting tribute.

“I don’t know a lot of people with a statue. Do you?” Wade remarked. “Anybody here, y’all know anything about the process of a statue? No one out there do neither. And so, it’s an unbelievable process to be a part of. And it’s a complicated process.”

As the unveiling buzz continues, Wade remains unfazed by the criticism. For him, the statue symbolizes a cherished moment in his career and a tribute to the memories shared with the Miami Heat community. Wade’s words convey that, for him, the artistic representation stands above superficial likeness.

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