NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who enjoyed a storied 18-year career in the league, played for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.
Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor in October 2022. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute, calling Mutombo “larger than life.”
“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players the NBA has ever seen. Off the court, he dedicated his life to helping others,” Silver said.
Mutombo, a towering 7-foot-2 center from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was discovered while attending Georgetown University. He was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft.
His signature finger-wagging celebration and warm demeanor made him a beloved figure among fans. A dominant defensive force, Mutombo led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and held the record for blocks per game for three straight seasons.
He reached the NBA Finals twice, first with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 and later with the New Jersey Nets in 2003. Both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his iconic number 55 jersey, and in 2015, Mutombo was enshrined in the NBA Hall of Fame.
Beyond basketball, Mutombo made significant contributions as a global ambassador for the NBA and a humanitarian, particularly in his native Congo and across Africa.
“He was passionate about using basketball to uplift communities, especially in his homeland and throughout Africa,” Silver added.
SOURCE: BBC
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