Jimmy Butler Believes There Shall Be More Statues In Miami Heat's Future

Jimmy Butler said he likes the Dwyane Wade statue. He also said there are other players who deserve to be immortalized in the future.
Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA;  Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade poses with his statue in front of the Kaseya Center.
Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade poses with his statue in front of the Kaseya Center. / Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
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Jimmy Butler is proud of Dwyane Wade for having his likeness become a permanent fixture outside of the Kaseya Center.

However, he believes over the next several years, other players will take their place outside of the arena. He thinks others are deserving to become immortalized like Wade.

"I am pretty sure he won't be the last one to get one, but what a way to set an example," Butler said Monday night. "I mean that guy has done so much for this organization. That's my brother man. I am proud of him."

Wade, who led Miami to three NBA titles, has had his statue come under scrutiny since Sunday night as many people believe it looks nothing like him.

The Heat legend has come out in defense of his statue.

"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."

Wade seems to take all of the comments in stride.

"I care, but I don’t," Wade said. "The social media world is about opinions. Everyone has an opinion."

Wade is one of six Heat players to have their jerseys hanging in the rafters. He is joined by Udonis Haslem, Alonzo Mourning, Tim Richmond, Chris Bosh and Shaquille O'Neal.

Scott Salomon is a contributor to Miami Heat On Si. He can be reached at sas@southfloridamedianetwork.com.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined FanNation on Sports Illustrated in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for the Miami Dolphins channel. In June he joined Inside the Heat and Back in the Day NBA. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering the local and national sports scene for 35 years. Scott has covered and has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and college football championship games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott has two sons and his hobbies include watching sports on television and binge watching shows on various streaming services. Twitter: @ScottSalomonNFL