In a heartbreaking loss for the sports world, NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58, after battling brain cancer. The tragic news was announced by the NBA on Monday, leaving fans and fellow athletes in mourning.
Mutombo’s family had revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour in Atlanta. Despite his courageous battle, he passed away surrounded by his loved ones.
NBA Commissioner Pays Tribute to a Giant On and Off the Court
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt statement, remembering Mutombo as a towering figure both on the basketball court and in his humanitarian work.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply 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 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.”
Standing at 7-foot-2, Mutombo’s presence on the court was undeniable. His NBA career spanned 18 seasons, during which he played for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
Known for his fierce defensive skills, Mutombo was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and earned three All-NBA selections. He was selected to eight All-Star Games and finished his career ranked 20th in rebounds with 12,359. His 3,289 career blocks place him second only to the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon.
Mutombo’s impact extended far beyond his statistics. After averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game throughout his career, he was rightfully inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. But perhaps even more impressive was his post-basketball career as a humanitarian. Mutombo dedicated much of his life to charity work, particularly in Africa, where he strived to make a positive difference.