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NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor since October 2022. Mutombo’s 18-year NBA career spanned six teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “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.”
Known for his defensive prowess, Mutombo led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and became a fan favorite for his signature finger-wagging celebration after blocking shots. Standing 7ft 2in, the Congolese center was discovered at Georgetown University before being selected fourth overall by the Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. Mutombo twice reached the NBA Finals, first with the 76ers in 2001 and again with the Nets in 2003.
Following his retirement, both the Hawks and Nuggets honored him by retiring his number 55 jersey, and in 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Mutombo also served as a global ambassador for the NBA and was renowned for his humanitarian efforts in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa.
Among those paying tribute were the Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent his final five years as a player. “Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game,” the team said in a statement, with Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta adding, “Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community, and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league.”
Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the 76ers, also reflected on Mutombo’s legacy. “There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being. His accomplishments on the court and his impact off the court, especially in Africa, will never be forgotten.”
Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, and their children.
