NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died of brain cancer at the age of 58.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years playing in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
mutombo Brain tumor treatment started In October 2022.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life.”
“On the court he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Standing 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m) tall, DR Congo-born center Mutombo was discovered while attending 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 favorite.
He reached the NBA Finals twice, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then two years later for the Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets).
Known for his defensive play, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for three consecutive seasons.
Following his retirement, both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mutombo was an NBA global ambassador and did humanitarian work in his home country.
“He loved that the game of basketball could have a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the continent of Africa,” Silver said.
“He was always available at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger velocity that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”