on the comments on his statue that was erected over the weekend, Heat legend Dwyane Wade has been candid.
Since the face didn’t seem to resemble D-Wade’s, the internet naturally had a field day after the unveiling, creating and sharing millions of memes on social media.
Wade had to swiftly defend the portrayal while admitting that there isn’t a true likeness.
Wade stated on Monday, “I would just stand outside the arena and you guys could take pictures if I wanted it to look like me.” It doesn’t have to resemble me. We’re attempting to solidify the artistic interpretation of an actual event.
Regarding the online criticism, he is handling it all calmly.
Wade remarked, “I don’t, but I care.” “Opinions are fundamental to the social media landscape. Everybody has an opinion. Use your opinions, everyone. Please talk more about us. Talk more about a statue, visit it, snap some pictures, and share some memes. We don’t give a damn.
Wade also spoke to the fans at the Heat vs. Pistons game’s halftime ceremony later on Monday, defending the artist’s work.
Only a small number of organizations have statues outside. Not even fifteen basketball players participated in this game with a monument outside. Wade informed the audience, “We—we— have a statue outside.” I am therefore delighted to be the chosen one and the vessel that is used. I’m proud because we put a lot of effort into creating a picture that will represent the Miami Heat, my family, and our fan base for a very long time.
The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for Joel Embiid’s health remarks.
The NBA has fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for public comments regarding the health of their star center, Joel Embiid.
The league clarified that Embiid’s game absences do not violate the team’s player participation policy.
“Embiid has been sidelined from the 76ers’ regular season games this season due to a left knee issue, which the NBA’s investigation confirmed. Therefore, his missed games do not breach the Player Participation Policy,” the statement said.
The NBA pointed out that the issue stemmed from comments made by coach Nick Nurse and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, which were “inconsistent with Joel Embiid’s health status and violated NBA rules, including the league’s Player Participation Policy.”
It’s noteworthy that the NBA did not address Embiid’s own comments, where he publicly stated that he “probably won’t” play in back-to-back games for the rest of his career under Nurse’s coaching.
The big guy made his Olympic debut for Team USA last year despite playing in just 39 regular season games.
Additionally, Embiid earns $51,415,938 for the 2024–25 season, making him the highest paid player on the squad. Paul George, a new recruit who is earning $49,205,800 in his debut season with the Sixers, is not far behind him.
Regretfully for Philadelphia, neither PG-13 nor Embiid have participated in any games this season as George is coping with a bone bruise in his left knee and Embiid is still managing his left knee injury.
If the older All-Star veterans continue to fight through injury, which, let’s face it, they most likely will, it might be up to rookie star Tyrese Maxey to lead the team.
Throughout his career, Embiid has never experienced a healthy postseason run. He told ESPN earlier this month that he shed 25 to 30 pounds during the summer and plans to be healthy enough to play in the postseason.