Jimmy Butler weighs in on Dwyane Wade's statue before making surprising prediction

The Miami Heat spent the start of the week honoring Dwyane Wade with the organization’s first-ever statue, closing one chapter of the franchise’s history and opening another.

The 35-year-old franchise has established itself as one of the most consistent teams in the league, appearing in seven NBA Finals since 2006 and winning three championships over the last 20 years.

As Wade pointed out at halftime of the Heat’s win over the Pistons on Monday night, he considers it an honor to be the franchise’s first statue, but he doesn’t want to be the last.

Asked about his thoughts on the statue, Jimmy Butler agreed.

Jimmy Butler says he likes Dwyane Wade's statue and predicts it won't be the last outside the Heat's arena.

“I like it,” Butler said. “I think what he's done for the city… I 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.”

Of course, the statue itself has come under fire for its questionable portrayal of Wade. 

Wade responded to critics of the statue, saying he doesn’t care and that he’s proud of the statue that he was heavily involved in helping shape.

“When sitting down with the Miami Heat and myself, what we wanted to do is we wanted to capture a moment that represented the organization, represented myself and represented the city,” Wade said Monday. “I felt like we captured that moment in an artistic form in an artistic way. If I wanted it to look like me, I would just stand outside the arena and y’all would take photos. It don’t need to look like me. It’s an artistic version of a moment that happened that we’re trying to cement.”

Still, the social media reaction and commentary wasn’t ideal for a franchise erecting their first statue. I’m sure they hoped the response would be more positive. 

If Butler is correct and it’s only a matter of time before the Heat build the next one, getting the face right should be a priority. (What a concept!) 

Now, when it comes to which Heat player will be honored with a statue next, it’s fair to wonder if that player is even on the roster. Butler, for all of his achievements and flashbulb moments, has yet to bring a banner to Kaseya Center. Bam Adebayo could have a chance, but his young resumé needs a lot more polishing.