NBA legend Mutombo dies from brain cancer aged 58

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. The esteemed player, known for his remarkable defensive skills, retired in 2009 following an impressive 18-year career in the league. Throughout his tenure, Mutombo showcased his talents with several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.

Mutombo’s health struggles began in October 2022 when he started treatment for a brain tumor. His passing has elicited a wave of tributes from across the basketball community and beyond.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver remarked. “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.”

Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mutombo stood at an imposing 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall. He was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets as the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. His signature warm personality, combined with his iconic finger-wagging celebration, quickly made him a fan favorite.

Mutombo’s career highlights include two appearances in the NBA Finals: first with the 76ers in 2001 and then with the Nets two years later. Known primarily for his defensive prowess, he led the league in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and set a record by leading in blocks per game for three straight years.

After retiring from professional play, both the Hawks and Nuggets honored him by retiring his jersey number 55. In 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in basketball history.

Beyond his basketball achievements, Mutombo was a global ambassador for the NBA and actively engaged in humanitarian work, particularly in his home country. Silver added, “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.”

His approachable demeanor and infectious smile endeared him to fans of all ages, whether at NBA events or community outreach programs. His signature finger wag became a symbol of his spirited approach to the game.

The Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent the final five years of his playing career, expressed their condolences and shared their sorrow over his passing. “Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game,” the team stated. “His fun-loving personality and trademark finger-wagging endeared him to fans worldwide, but Dikembe’s true impact was his passion for helping others. Our condolences go out to his loving family and friends.”

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta added, “Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community, and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rose, and their children.”

Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, shared his personal memories of Mutombo during the team’s pre-season media day. “I knew him personally. We were together for many seasons, and he’s obviously important to the Sixers franchise as well,” Morey said. “There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being. When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first chance in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time. Obviously, his accomplishments on the court are immense, but he was an amazing human being—what he did off the court for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”

As the basketball community remembers Mutombo, it is clear that his legacy will endure not only through his remarkable on-court achievements but also through the countless lives he touched through his humanitarian work.