The NBA mourns the loss of Dikembe Mutombo, with Shams Charania reporting on Monday morning that the Hall of Famer and eight-time All-Star has passed away at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
To countless fans, Mutombo represented more than just a basketball player; he was a dominant force in the league for many years. Regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in history, his impactful style of play continues to be celebrated long after his retirement.
Beginning his career in 1991, Mutombo first played for the Denver Nuggets before joining the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and other teams throughout his career. He averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds over 18 years in the league, earning four Defensive Player of the Year awards along the way.
In addition to his on-court achievements, Mutombo was also known for his philanthropy and dedication to improving his community. In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which has significantly enhanced living conditions for millions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
His iconic “finger wag” after blocking shots became famous worldwide, a gesture many have tried to imitate but few have executed with the same flair as Mutombo.
Following the announcement of his passing, an outpouring of love and support flooded social media, demonstrating how deeply he touched the lives of many.
It was evident that Mutombo left a lasting impact, and his memory will be cherished forever. NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed that Mutombo was “larger than life,” a sentiment that resonates with all who knew of his contributions both on and off the court.