NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, a 7-foot-7 center who was nicknamed “Mount Mutombo” for his defensive prowess, has died of brain cancer at the age of 58, the league announced Monday.
Mutombo’s family revealed two years ago that he was being treated for a brain tumor in Atlanta, Georgia. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.
“Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. On the ground, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.
– NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
“There is no one more worthy than Dikembe to be the first world ambassador of the NBA. He was a caring person at heart. He loved what the game of basketball could do to have a positive impact on communities, especially in his hometown of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the entire African continent.
“I was lucky enough to travel the world with Dikembe and see firsthand how his generosity and compassion improve people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, powerful voice and signature fingertip that endeared him to basketball fans of all generations. “
Dikembe Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA and received eight All-Star selections and six All-Defensive honors.
Mutombo moved to the US from the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the age of 21 to play college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas. The junior standout was selected fourth overall in the 1991 draft.
He played 18 NBA seasons (1991-2009) for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring after the 2008-09 season.
In 1,196 regular season NBA games (997 starts), he averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 30.8 minutes per contest while shooting a -51.8% from the field and 68.4% from the free throw line.
The Congolese-American hooper has earned eight NBA All-Star honors and six All-Defensive honors. He also won Defensive Player of the Year four times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001).
Dikembe Mutombo’s son, Ryan, shared a special message to honor his father ❤️
(via ryanmutombo/IG) pic.twitter.com/hHvrpJwFDx
– SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 30, 2024
Additionally, Mutombo ranked 20th in rebounds (12,359) and finished with 3,289 career blocks, second only to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830). The Georgetown product was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 after leading the league in rebounds twice (2000, 2001) and blocks three times (1994-1996).
His number 55 jersey was discarded by the Nuggets and Hawks.
“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans – and the whole world – because, apart from what he accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better on the court,” 76ers center Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon. , said Monday.
“He’s one of the guys I look up to, in terms of making an impact, not only on the field, but on the court as well. He has done many great things. He did many good things for many people, so he was my role model. It’s a sad day.”
Mutombo was waving his right index finger after blocking the shot
Dikembe Mutombo will be remembered for flashing his right index finger after blocking the ball.
“Whenever I blocked a shot, people kept coming and trying to put me in a bit. I was shaking my head every time I blocked a shot,” explained Mutombo, according to ESPN.
“And I said, man, f—k this. Those guys don’t listen to me. Maybe when I start giving them the fingers. And I’m telling you, I lost a lot of money because of that finger cart, man. I got a lot of technical fouls, but no referee could have sent me out of the game.”
After retiring from the NBA, Mutombo has been working with various charities and charities. He worked as an ambassador for the game, especially in the development of the Basketball Africa League.
“It’s really hard to believe, and it’s hard for us to be without that guy,” Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri said. “You don’t know what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. …I have to say, that guy, he made us who we are. That’s a giant. An incredible person. Who are we without Dikembe Mutombo? It doesn’t happen. Not really.
“I went with him to Dikembe Mutombo’s hometown. I went to his hospital, and you don’t know what that guy means to the world. He’s gone. You have left us. … That boy was the biggest giant you ever met. Big heart.”
The NBA legend founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997
Sixers president Daryl Morey, who was with Mutombo for many seasons in Houston, was informed of his friend’s death during the team’s media day on Monday.
“There aren’t many guys like him,” Morey said. “Just a great person. When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first time in Houston, he was my go-to person all the time. … What he achieves on the court, we don’t need to talk too much. Just an amazing person, what he did outside of the African arena. Rest in peace Dikembe.”
Mutombo also speaks nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997. His efforts helped improve the health, education, and quality of life of the Congolese people.
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