Despite being one of the most successful Shooting Guards in the history of the game, Dwayne Wade doesn’t always receive his flowers. Over the span of a 16-year career, Wade won three championships, was the 2006 Finals MVP, and even got selected to 13 All-Star games. Having played for the Miami Heat for almost 15 years, D-Wade spoke about potentially getting honored by the franchise with a statue outside the arena, during a recent appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast. However, when the Flash made a case for LeBron James getting a statue, podcast host Shannon Sharpe said that he didn’t believe Pat Riley would let that happen.
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While the likes of Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, James, and Chris Bosh, among others, have suited up for the Heat, Dwayne Wade is probably the most important figure in franchise history. He is also the all-time leading scorer for the franchise.
Drafted by the Florida side in 2003, the 6-foot-4 guard was soon allowed to become the leader of the team at a young age. Apart from helping the franchise win their first-ever title in 2006, Wade also played an integral role in the 2012 and 2013 championship runs. After having “Miami-Dade County” temporarily renamed to “Miami-Wade County” in the Marquette alum’s honor, fans now expect a statue of the legend outside the arena.
Shannon Sharpe jokes that Pat Riley will not approve of a LeBron James statue
During the conversation with Shannon Sharpe, Wade gave his honest opinion about potentially getting honored with a statue. Joining the likes of all-time greats like Michael Jordan, Shaq, Kobe, Dirk Nowitzki, Magic Johnson, and numerous others, a statue will be a great mark of respect toward the Heat legend
Even though a statue is a “man-given” accolade, Wade would love to have one nevertheless. He told Sharpe during his appearance on Club Shay Shay:
“When you get done playing your game, hopefully, the goal is to become a statue. You wanna play and become a statue because the greats have a statue. Michael Jordan has a statue. So yes, I want those accolades because I saw others have those. But there’s also a part of me too, that’s like ‘that’s man-given’. It can be taken away by man…[However]if they decide to give that to me, it would be amazing. A place where people can come to the arena, to Miami and see it.”
Further, the soon-to-be Hall-of-Famer spoke about the likes of Udonis Haslem, Chris Bosh, Alonzo Mourning and LeBron James getting statues as well. He continued, “Being the first will open up the floodgates for UD statue, LeBron statue, Chris Bosh statue, Alonzo Mourning statue. You start building this legacy…”
Before the 2009 scoring champ could complete his statement, Sharpe interrupted by saying that LBJ wouldn’t get a statue outside the Heat arena. The former UNDISPUTED analyst joked about Pat Riley not approving of the statue.
“I don’t know if LeBron will get no statue. I don’t know if Pat Riley gonna let that happen.”
When Bron decided to part ways with the Heat, the move didn’t sit well with Riley. Therefore, there’s a possibility that the King wouldn’t get his statue erected or his jersey number retired anytime soon.
Despite being taken by surprise, Dwyane Wade agreed to support LeBron’s decision of joining the Cavs
Spending four years with the franchise, LeBron led the Heat to four straight Finals appearances, winning two of them. However, when he decided to not extend his contract with the team, it took people by surprise. Of course, Riley was furious with the decision. Wade was confused with the move as well, but the Heat star decided to support his best friend. He revealed his thoughts to Shannon Sharpe on the same podcast appearance:
“Man, we just had a four-year run, that was not what I was thinking about. I didn’t think Cleveland was on the docket at all.
It’s lovely to see how Wade handled the entire situation by understanding his best friend’s perspective. Of course, had Bron stayed with the Heat, Bosh and Wade would’ve probably had a few more championships on their resume.
