The sculptor behind the recently unveiled Dwyane Wade statue outside the Kaseya Center has defended the piece amid a wave of criticism.
The statue, which depicts Wade in a dynamic pose celebrating a game-winning shot, has been the subject of much debate on social media, with many criticizing its exaggerated facial expression.
The statue was designed to capture Wade’s iconic NBA moment in 2009, when he leapt onto a scorer’s table after hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Chicago Bulls.
The sculptor, Omri Amrany, aimed to convey the intensity and emotion of that moment, rather than simply creating a realistic likeness of Wade.
However, the statue’s unique style has drawn criticism from prominent figures like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. Shaq described the statue as “the scariest thing this Halloween,” while Barkley suggested it should be taken down and redone.
Sculptor Defends Dwyane Wade Statue
Despite the negative feedback, Amrany remains steadfast in his artistic vision. He argues that the statue is not meant to be a traditional portrait, but rather a representation of Wade’s impact on the game and his connection to the city of Miami.