NBA Corridor of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died of mind most cancers on the age of 58.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years taking part in within the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
Mutombo began therapy for a mind tumor in October 2022.
“Dikembe Mutombo was merely bigger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated.
“On the court docket, he was one of many best shot blockers and defensive gamers in NBA historical past. On the court docket, he devoted his coronary heart and soul to serving to others.”
At 2.18 m tall, Mutombo, born within the Democratic Republic of Congo, was found whereas finding out at Georgetown College and was chosen by the Nuggets with the fourth general decide within the 1991 NBA draft.
His heat character and typical celebration have made him a fan favourite.
He reached the NBA Finals twice, first for the 76ers in 2001, then for the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.
Identified for his defensive play, he led the NBA in blocked pictures for 5 straight seasons and in blocks per sport for a report three straight seasons.
After his retirement, the Hawks and Nuggets retired his jersey quantity 55, and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Corridor of Fame.
Mutombo was a worldwide ambassador for the NBA and did humanitarian work in his house nation.
“He cherished what basketball might do to positively affect communities, particularly in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and throughout the African continent,” Silver added.
“He was at all times approachable at NBA occasions through the years – along with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature fingers that endeared him to basketball followers of all generations.”
“A rare human being”
Amongst these paying tribute had been the Houston Rockets, the place Mutombo spent the final 5 years of his taking part in profession.
“At the moment we mourn the lack of a real ambassador of our sport,” they stated.
“His cheerful character and signature gestures endeared him to followers world wide, however Dikembe’s true affect was his ardour for serving to others. Our condolences exit to his household and associates.”
Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta added: “Dikembe was beloved by the complete NBA group and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league. Our ideas and prayers are along with his spouse, Rose, and their youngsters .”
And Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, talking on the 76ers’ preseason media day, additionally remembered Mutombo.
“I knew him personally,” Morey stated. “We have been collectively for a lot of seasons and he is clearly essential to the Sixers franchise as effectively.
“There aren’t many guys like him. Only a nice human being. After I was a rookie common supervisor [General Manager] On this league, my first probability in Houston was somebody I went to on a regular basis.
“Clearly his achievements on the pitch… however an unimaginable human being – what he did off the pitch, for Africa. Relaxation in peace, Dikembe.”
