Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, renowned for his towering presence both on and off the court, has passed away at the age of 58 due to brain cancer.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on Mutombo’s remarkable life in a statement, describing him as “larger than life.” Silver praised Mutombo’s legacy as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history, while also acknowledging his profound humanitarian work.
Daryl Morey, president of the Philadelphia 76ers, worked closely with Mutombo during their time with the Houston Rockets. Speaking emotionally about his late friend, Morey emphasized Mutombo’s unparalleled character and contributions to the world, especially his work in Africa. “He was an amazing human being,” Morey remarked. “His accomplishments on the court speak for themselves, but what he did off the court was truly special. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”
Mutombo, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, became a naturalized U.S. citizen and was deeply involved in various charitable organizations. He served on the boards of groups like Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation, and UNICEF USA.
Fluent in seven languages, Mutombo was well-suited for his role as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador, a position where he championed causes benefiting communities worldwide, particularly in Africa. Silver highlighted Mutombo’s humanitarian spirit, stating, “He loved how basketball could positively impact lives, especially in his native Congo and across Africa. I had the privilege of traveling with him and witnessing how his generosity uplifted people.”
Famed for his playful finger wag after blocking shots, Mutombo once explained the origin of the gesture. “I used to shake my head after blocks, but then I thought, ‘Maybe if I start wagging my finger, they’ll get the message,’” he said with a laugh. The gesture earned him technical fouls over the years, but it became iconic nonetheless.
Two years ago, Mutombo’s family revealed that he was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family, which includes his wife, Rose, their three biological children, and four adopted children. His son Ryan, who shares his father’s 7-foot-2-inch height, currently plays basketball at Georgetown, the same university where Mutombo excelled before his NBA career.
Mutombo’s basketball achievements are equally legendary. He ended his 18-year NBA career ranked second on the league’s all-time list for blocked shots. He was an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, with his number retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. His career also saw him play for teams like the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and the New Jersey Nets. Mutombo was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Beyond the court, Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts, particularly with the Special Olympics and his foundation in the Congo, were widely recognized. His work focused on improving health and quality of life in his homeland. Reflecting on Mutombo’s legacy, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said, “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans… He was an incredible role model for many, and his impact off the court was even greater than what he achieved on it.”
Source: The Guardian.
