Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, renowned as one of the finest defensive players in NBA history and a dedicated global ambassador for the sport, passed away on Monday due to brain cancer. He was 58 years old. Two years prior, his family disclosed that he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta. According to the NBA, he died surrounded by his loved ones.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed the profound impact Mutombo had on and off the court, noting him as one of the greatest shot blockers the league has ever seen and praising his commitment to philanthropy.
Mutombo was known for his distinctive finger wag gesture after blocking shots, his towering height, deep voice, and infectious smile. Current Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon, regarded Mutombo as a pivotal inspiration. “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said. He emphasized Mutombo’s significance beyond basketball, highlighting his extensive charitable contributions.
Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA, featuring for teams such as Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York, and the then-New Jersey Nets. He was an eight-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection, enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds throughout his career.
Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri expressed deep sadness over Mutombo’s passing, reflecting on the significant influence Mutombo had on his life. Mutombo’s final NBA season was 2008-09, after which he devoted himself to humanitarian efforts. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on health and education improvement in the Congo and was fluent in nine languages.
Ryan Mutombo, his son, paid tribute on social media, describing his father as a hero to many due to his deep care for others. Mutombo actively engaged with numerous organizations, including the Special Olympics and the CDC Foundation.
Silver noted that Mutombo was the NBA’s first Global Ambassador, highlighting his humanitarian spirit and passion for using basketball to facilitate positive change in communities, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Africa.
Mutombo is one of only three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo shared how Mutombo was a mentor to him, offering advice on player wellness.
Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey, who spent several seasons with Mutombo in Houston, expressed his sorrow during a media event on Monday, recalling Mutombo’s exceptional character and contributions to both basketball and humanitarian efforts.