Dikembe Mutombo, an eight-time NBA All-Star who retired in 2009, spent 18 seasons in the league playing for teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. In October 2022, Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Mutombo, stating, “Dikembe Mutombo was truly larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he was deeply committed to helping others.”
Standing at 7ft 2in (2.18m), Mutombo, originally from DR Congo, was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Nuggets. His personality, along with his signature finger-wagging celebration, made him a fan favorite.
Mutombo reached the NBA Finals twice, once with the 76ers in 2001 and later with the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) in 2003. Known for his defense, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five straight seasons and blocks per game for three consecutive seasons—a record achievement.
After retiring, both the Hawks and Nuggets honored him by retiring his No. 55 jersey, and in 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Mutombo also served as a global ambassador for the NBA and dedicated much of his time to humanitarian work in his native DR Congo.
Silver also noted, “He loved how basketball could positively impact communities, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa. His infectious smile, booming voice, and iconic finger wag made him beloved by fans across generations.”
Be the first to comment