Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58

 Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58

Dikembe Mutombo, the Hall of Fame center known for his signature finger wag and his work as a global ambassador for basketball, has passed away at 58 due to brain cancer, the NBA announced Monday. Mutombo had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor over the last two years in Atlanta. He passed away surrounded by his family.


NBA Commissioner Adam Silver honored Mutombo, describing him as "larger than life" both on and off the court. Silver emphasized that while Mutombo was one of the greatest shot-blockers and defenders in NBA history, his legacy as a humanitarian was even greater, particularly in his efforts to use basketball to positively impact communities in Africa.


Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA with teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets, earning four Defensive Player of the Year awards and making eight All-Star appearances. He ranks second on the NBA's all-time blocks list with 3,289, behind only Hakeem Olajuwon.


In 1994, Mutombo played a key role in one of the NBA's most memorable playoff upsets, leading the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets to a victory over the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics. However, Mutombo's contributions off the court were even more significant. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which focused on improving health and education in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. His foundation built a hospital in Kinshasa, which has treated nearly half a million people regardless of their ability to pay.


Many figures across the basketball world expressed their grief, including current players like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who regarded Mutombo as a role model both for his impact on the court and his charitable work. A LeBron James fondly recalled an incident where Mutombo accidentally fractured his face with an elbow during a game, highlighting both Mutombo’s competitive nature and his strong presence in the league.


Mutombo’s legacy goes beyond his basketball accolades. He was involved with several international organizations, including UNICEF and the Special Olympics, and served as a bridge between the NBA and the global community, especially Africa. His son, Ryan Mutombo, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling his father his hero for his kindness and care for others.