Legendary NBA big man and ambassador of the game of basketball Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.
The NBA made the unfortunate announcement on Twitter Monday via a statement from Commissioner Adam Silver who called Mutombo “one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the court, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
An eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year who helped make the finger wave famous after devastating blocked shots below the rim, Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA across spells with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
After retiring in 2009 with 3,289 career blocks second only to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830), Mutombo dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts in his native Congo and around the rest of the World. Additionally in the wake of his retirement, Mutombo became the first NBA Global Ambassador expanding the NBA’s reach abroad while inspiring many African-born players to pursue careers in the NBA.
This includes players like 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid.
