Dikembe Mutombo, NBA Legend, has died of brain cancer at the age of 58, the NBA announced Monday. Dikembe Mutombo’s family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.
Adam Silver on Dikembe Mutombo’s Passing and Influence
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, released a statement on Dikembe Mutombo.
“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.”
“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”
Dikembe Mutombo played 18 NBA seasons for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, the then-New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring after the 2008-09 season.
Mutombo was a defensive master, winning Defensive Player of the Year four times. In his career he averaged 2.8 blocks per game. Many opponents saw the wagging of his finger after they attempted to get a shot up against the legendary player. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
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