“Won’t be the last one…” Jimmy Butler has blunt reaction to Dwyane Wade’s statue in Miami

Jimmy Butler reacts as Miami Heat unveils Dwyane Wade statue, which cements his legacy as the franchise's first immortalized legend.

“Won’t be the last one…” Jimmy Butler has blunt reaction to Dwyane Wade’s statue in Miami

Jimmy Butler speaks on Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat statue

It has been a busy week for the Miami Heat as they honored Dwyane Wade with the franchise’s first-ever statue. Wade, who won three NBA championships with the Heat, expressed his gratitude and humility.

Dwyane Wade, in his numerous speeches, stated that he doesn’t want to be the last Heat legend immortalized. Jimmy Butler, speaking to a local Miami Heat reporter, echoed Wade’s sentiments when he suggested it’s only a matter of time before another Heat player receives a statue.

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I like it. I think what he’s done for the city… think it’s crazy that he’s the first one with a statue out there. I’m pretty sure he won’t be the last one to get one, but what a way to set an example. The guy has done so much for this organization. He’s my brother, man. I’m proud of him.

Jimmy Butler said via Wes Goldberg

However, the statue’s design drew criticism on social media, as some questioned its likeness to Wade. It even got rival Paul Pierce to take a brutal jab at the statue.

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Furthermore, speculation has begun about which Heat player will be honored next as Heat president Pat Riley hinted at Udonis Haslem as a potential candidate.

Artists defend Dwyane Wade statue amid social media backlash

And while the backlash continues, the artists behind the Dwyane Wade statue outside Kaseya Center have stood by their work. The sculptors involved, Julie Manso, Omri Amrany, and Oscar Leon, expressed pride in their creations.

I couldn’t do better than that. I don’t think anybody else can do better than that. It is what it is, and we will love it forever.

The sculpture artist Omri Amrany said to local Heat reporter Will Manso

The statue commemorates Wade’s iconic “This is my house” moment after his game-winning shot against the Chicago Bulls in 2009. Wade, who said he was involved in the creative process, stated he’s aware of the online reaction but remains pleased with the final result.

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For the Miami Heat, they have recovered from their early season shock loss to the Orlando Magic to win their next three games. Their recent game was the 106-98 win over the Detroit Pistons and they take on the New York Knicks next in a tough home game.