Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, died Monday. He was 58.
According to a statement from the NBA, the former Houston Rockets star passed away from brain cancer and was surrounded by his family in his final moments.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “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,” Silver, 62, added.
“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.”
Several athletes shared their condolences online after hearing about Mutombo’s death.
“Prayers up for the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Dikembe Mutombo,” former NFL star Robert Griffin III wrote via X. sharing a clip of the NBA legend playing basketball.
“The Hall of Fame Center passed away today at 58 years old due to brain cancer. His Iconic Finger Wag ‘No No No’ is still used to this day. He will never be forgotten.”
In a press conference, Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid said today was a “sad day,” especially “for us Africans, and really the whole world.”
He added, “Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”
Want more celebrity and pop culture news?
Start your day with Daily.
Thanks for signing up!
The 7-foot-2 in-center spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, the New York Knicks and more.
Mutombo achieved several accolades throughout his NBA career. He was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
After he retired in April 2009, Mutombo devoted his time to charitable and humanitarian causes, serving on the boards of the Special Olympics International and the US Fund for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
In October 2022, the NBA announced that Mutombo would be undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” they said in a statement.
“Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
