At the age of 58, Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA Hall of Famer, passed away from brain cancer.
The 18-year NBA career of the eight-time All-Star, who retired in 2009, saw him play for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
In October 2022, Mutombo started brain tumor treatment.
According to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.”
“On the court he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, DR Congo-born centre Mutombo was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft.
His warm personality and trademark finger-wagging celebration made him a fan favourite.
NBA player Dikembe Mutombo, known for his defensive skills, has passed away at the age of 83. He was a two-time NBA Finals champion, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then the Nets two years later. Mutombo was known for his record-breaking five consecutive seasons in blocked shots and blocks per game. Following his retirement, the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015.
He was a global ambassador for the NBA and carried out humanitarian work in his home country, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Africa. His infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag made him a beloved figure among basketball fans. The Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent the last five years of his playing career, mourned the loss of a true NBA ambassador.
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta expressed his condolences to Mutombo’s family and friends. Philadelphia 76ers basketball operations president Daryl Morey also remembered Mutombo, describing him as a great human being and a great human being for his efforts off the court for Africa.
(BBC)
