Heat to honor Wade with statue in October

The Miami Heat will unveil a bronze statue of Dwyane Wade outside the Kaseya Center on Oct. 27, the organization announced Thursday.

The Heat will also celebrate Wade the following night on the 21st anniversary of his NBA debut in a game against the Detroit Pistons. The 42-year-old will address the crowd at halftime.

Team president Pat Riley announced in January that Miami would build a statue to honor the franchise legend.

The Heat retired Wade's jersey in 2020. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, along with a class that included Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, and coach Gregg Popovich.

Miami drafted Wade fifth overall in 2003. He played 14 of his 16 NBA seasons in South Beach, contributing to the franchise's championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013. Wade won the 2006 Finals MVP, received 13 All-Star nods, and made eight All-NBA teams over his career.