Shot-blocking great Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58, NBA says
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 due to brain cancer, as announced by the NBA on Monday.
Mutombo, loved by fans, was an eight-time NBA All-Star. Standing at seven feet, two inches tall, he was known as one of the best shot-blockers in NBA history and won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times .
“Dikembe Mutombo was truly larger than life,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “On the court, he was one of the greatest defensive players and shot-blockers the NBA has ever seen. Off the court, he dedicated his life to helping others.”
Mutombo’s big personality and his famous finger-wag celebration made him a fan favorite. Over his 18 seasons in the NBA, he played for six different teams, averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He also reached the NBA Finals twice.
After retiring in 2009, Mutombo became the NBA’s first global ambassador, working to grow the sport, especially in Africa.
“He believed basketball could bring positive change to communities, especially in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and across Africa,” Silver said.
Mutombo remained involved in NBA events for years, with his big smile, deep voice, and iconic finger wag, winning the hearts of basketball fans from all generations.
