Incredible Hall of Famer and defensive nightmare Dikembe Mutombo will be remembered forever in the basketball community, as, sadly, the 58-year-old has passed away due to brain cancer.
As revealed by his family, Mutombo was going to Atlanta for treatment for a brain tumor. This was two years ago. The NBA says family surrounded the legend at the time of passing.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.
“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”
In 1196 career games, Mutombo averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds. Beyond those two statistics, he was a three-time blocking champ, won DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) four times, was a three-time All-NBA player, was a two-time rebounding champ, and an eight-time All-Star.
People most remember him for his time with the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets; Mutombo spent five seasons with each organization. He also played for the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
