Dikembe Mutombo died on Monday at the age of 58 due to a brain tumor.
The former position entered the NBA in 1991, through the door of the Denver Nuggets. He retired from playing in the 2008/2009 season, after also playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
The Congolese, who was part of the NBA Hall of Fame, was nominated for the All-Star Game eight times and was considered the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year on four occasions (tied only by Ben Wallace and Rudy Gobert).
“Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life itself. On the court, he was one of the best blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the field, he gave his body and soul to help others.”
Mutombo, a North American basketball legend, was also known for his humanitarian work.
“There was no one more qualified than Dikembe to be the NBA's first global ambassador. He was a humanitarian in every sense of the word. “He loved what the game of basketball could do to have a positive impact on communities, especially in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and throughout the African continent,” the NBA commissioner said.
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/fkFPaiMVD3
– NBA Communications (@NBAPR)
September 30, 2024
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