ATLANTA — Former NBA player and basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, died from brain cancer on Monday at the age of 58.
Mutombo, stood at 7-foot 2-inches, was nicked “Mount Mutombo” during his basketball career with the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Jersey Nets. Mutombo was known as one of the best defensive players in the league’s history.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. 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,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“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.”
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
Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 25, 1966 and moved to the United States when he was 21 to play basketball at Georgetown University. He was drafted to the Denver Nuggets in 1991, and retired from the NBA in 2009.
In 2022, Mutombo’s family revealed that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. The NBA said Mutombo died Monday surrounded by his family.
More on the life and NBA career of Dikembe Mutombo.
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