On Sunday, the Miami Heat honored three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade by unveiling a statue of him outside the Kaseya Center. However, the statue did not turn out as expected and faced criticism from fans for its unusual appearance. Despite the backlash, Heat President Pat Riley is planning to honor another legend with a statue.
According to a recent post by NBA Central on X (formerly Twitter), the Heat plan to create a statue in honor of the legendary Udonis Haslem. In a previous interview with Revolve, Dwyane Wade praised Haslem’s skills on the court and expressed that he deserves a statue.
Pat Riley echoed Wade’s statement during Wade’s statue unveiling ceremony, saying, “One day we will have that. We will put your statue up here…”
Haslem dedicated his entire 20-year NBA career to the Heat, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise. Throughout his time with the team, he played a crucial role in leading them to three championship titles, significantly contributing to their success in 2006, 2012, and 2013. His tough, relentless style of play made him a fan favorite and an invaluable presence on the court.
Pat Riley Praises Haslem For His Unforgettable Impact On The Franchise
Haslem is the third player in NBA history to play 20 seasons with a single franchise. The other two are Dirk Nowitzki, who spent 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, and Kobe Bryant, who played 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Due to his dedication to the team, the 44-year-old currently serves as the Heat’s Vice President of Basketball Development. In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Pat Riley praised him in an interview with the Miami Herald in January 2024.
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“UD is an iron man and he’s a glue guy. I think that should be recognized by the league. There are a lot of guys like that in the league. So yes, I do think that should be recognized by the Hall of Fame committee. Integrity, dignity, class, toughness, honesty, brings it everyday and I think that should be recognized some day.” Riley said.
It would be remarkable if the Heat decided to honor Haslem with a statue to recognize his immense contributions to the team. However, it’s crucial that the sculpture reflects a high standard of quality.
Also Read: Miami Heat Honored Pat Riley As They Name Their Home Court After The NBA Legend
