**Controversy Ensues After Dwyane Wade Statue Unveiled in Miami**

A new statue of Dwyane Wade has sparked debate among Miami Heat fans following its unveiling outside the Kaseya Center on Sunday. The bronze statue, which commemorates the iconic basketball player 21 years after his debut with the Miami Heat, was designed to capture Wade mid-celebration, reenacting his famous "This is my house" gesture from a pivotal 2009 game against the Chicago Bulls.

Placed prominently near the front doors of the arena, the statue comes with a wall detailing Wade's numerous achievements, including his status as a Basketball Hall of Famer and his 13-time All-Star selection. The statue was crafted by Timeless Creations’ Omri Amrany and Oscar León, who worked closely with Wade to perfect every detail.

During the unveiling press conference, Wade emphasized that it was his idea to immortalize this particular career moment, citing it as the most significant in his professional life. He praised the sculptors for their attention to detail, right down to including his gum chewing, which he noted was crucial for fans to recall his career vividly.

Despite Wade’s enthusiasm, the statue has received mixed reviews from fans. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, criticizing the statue for its lack of resemblance to Wade. ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington humorously suggested that a contest should have been held where anyone who correctly identified the statue as Wade could keep it. Other social media users compared the statue's likeness to boxer George Foreman and actor Laurence Fishburne, rather than Wade.

However, not everyone was displeased. Will Manso, sports director of WPLG Local 10 News, reported that the statue appeared more accurate up close and emphasized that Wade's satisfaction with the final product was what truly mattered.

This is not the first time a statue of a beloved celebrity has been met with public disapproval. Instances such as a 2017 bronze bust of soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and a recent statue of Queen Elizabeth II in Northern Ireland have similarly faced backlash for their perceived inaccuracies. Nonetheless, Wade remains appreciative of the effort, calling the statue "beautiful" despite acknowledging his own bias.