It’s been about a week since the unveiling of the Dwyane Wade statue left fans stunned and, to be polite, unimpressed. The Miami Heat erected the statue to honor their team legend, but the response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many criticizing its appearance. Charles Barkley, never one to hold back, recently shared his unfiltered thoughts on the controversial statue, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
On the NBA on TNT Tip-Off show, Barkley and the rest of the crew discussed the Wade statue, and, as expected, Barkley was brutally honest in his assessment. He made it abundantly clear that he thinks the statue is dreadful and suggested that it should be taken down immediately. True to his style, Barkley then proceeded to joke about it for several minutes, adding his own comedic flair to the criticism.
“It’s a great honor. But they gotta take that thing down,” Barkley said, setting the tone for what would be a memorable segment. He continued, “If you made an ugly statue, that’s what it would look like. That thing is awful,” he told fellow analyst Kenny Smith, emphasizing his dislike for the statue’s appearance.
Barkley wasn’t done there, as he continued to poke fun at the statue. “That face is the face he made after he saw the statue,” Barkley joked, referencing Wade’s expression, suggesting that even the honoree himself might be shocked by the result. His humor had the TNT crew and viewers laughing along, as he continued his roast.
Later in the segment, Barkley took another jab, saying, “Hey Kenny, the statue was so bad they had to put all his stats behind it so you’d know who it was.” His point was that the statue did such a poor job of resembling Wade that the only way anyone would recognize it was by reading the accompanying information. It was a lighthearted dig that highlighted just how far off the mark the statue was in capturing Wade’s likeness.
The crowning insult from Barkley, however, was reserved for the artist responsible for the statue. “Shout out to the statue maker. Get your education next time. You’re not good at your first job,” Barkley said, delivering his final blow. It was classic Barkley—harsh, funny, and blunt—all rolled into one. He left no doubt about his opinion of the statue and the artist’s craftsmanship.
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Fans in the comments section on social media loved Barkley’s ruthless takedown of the statue. Many praised his honesty and comedic delivery, but there was also a sense of nostalgia and concern among viewers. They lamented the thought of the TNT crew potentially splitting up once the network loses its NBA rights, pointing out that moments like this one are what make the show so entertaining and beloved.
Segments like this are a reminder of why Barkley and the TNT crew have become such a fixture in NBA culture. Their humor, camaraderie, and willingness to speak their minds make them stand out in the world of sports commentary.
While Barkley’s remarks may not have been what the Miami Heat or the artist wanted to hear, they certainly provided fans with a good laugh—and a brutally honest critique of a statue that, according to Barkley, just doesn’t do Dwyane Wade justice.
