The artist behind the Dwyane Wade statue defends the Heat legend's likeness despite criticism

The new Dwyane Wade statue outside the Kaseya Center is getting a lot of attention, and not just the basketball icon's face.

Almost immediately after Sunday's unveiling, critics expressed their disdain for the statue on social media.

On Monday, NBC6 asked visitors what they thought of the statue when they viewed it in person. Reviews were mixed.

“The first thing that came to mind was that he kind of looks like Laurence Fishburne and not so much like Dwyane Wade,” Todd Marius said.

Another visitor commented on the statue's teeth.

The statue is a replica of the “This is my house!” motif. Victory celebration in March 2009. Wade told reporters that one of the most memorable moments of his career was when he faced his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls.

“It made me feel good,” he said. “I chose it because I wanted to make sure that every fan, when they see it, remembers my career, and I think that sums up my career and this building.”

Oscar Leon, one of the artists behind the sculpture, says the concept started with a collection of photos of Wade that were turned into a clay model. Computers then helped the artists design the statue.

Leon says they received input from Wade's closest friends and Miami Heat executives before approving the statue.

“For the critics, there is a lot that needs to be understood,” Leon said. “We have to seal everything to preserve the integrity of the sculpture. However, this has a fun little side effect because we shine in areas that we are not used to seeing when we look at someone in the flesh.”

Leon says more than 800 hours of work went into creating the sculpture. Sixteen hours were spent with Wade.

“The seal definitely creates a little misunderstanding to the eye. So I would definitely recommend everyone to come to Miami and see it in person,” Leon said.

Some fans who showed up in person Monday agreed.

“I’m happy with it because we all know who that is,” Luqman Shaheed said. “He's Dwyane Wade… he left his legacy here and now all the people and fans can come and take photos and have a little moment with him.”