Dikembe Mutombo, a towering figure in the world of basketball, passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Known for his iconic finger-wag after blocking shots, the 7-foot-2 center left an indelible mark on the NBA and beyond.
Mutombo had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta for the past two years.
Surrounded by his loved ones, the seven-time All-Star succumbed to the illness, leaving behind a legacy both on and off the court.
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
‘Next Chapter Is About Chasing My Dreams’: Chicago Bulls Legend Derrick Rose, Youngest Ever NBA MVP, Retires
Who was Dikembe Mutombo?
Mutombo’s career spanned 18 seasons, where he played for teams like the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.
A defensive powerhouse, he was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times, earned eight All-Star selections, and ranks second all-time in blocked shots with 3,289.
RIP to the great Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest shot blockers in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/z8NfnGWgFl
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 30, 2024
Humanitarian Off Court
Off the court, Mutombo was a true humanitarian. Fluent in nine languages, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which focused on improving healthcare and education in his native Congo.
His foundation’s crowning achievement was the construction of a 170-bed hospital in Kinshasa, which has treated nearly half a million patients regardless of their ability to pay.
Prayers up for the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Dikembe Mutombo. The Hall of Fame Center passed away today at 58 years old due to brain cancer. His Iconic Finger Wag “No No No” is still used to this day. He will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bhm5AFoHcu
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 30, 2024
Beyond his playing days, Mutombo remained an ambassador for basketball, particularly through his work with the Basketball Africa League. His legacy as a player and philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations both in sports and humanitarian efforts.