Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer, the NBA announced on Monday.
Mutombo, who grew up in the Dominican Republic of Congo before moving to the USA in 21, began his career with the Denver Nuggets after being selected fourth in the 1991 draft.
He went on to star for the Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.
Mutombo spent much of his post-playing career engaging in humanitarian work, particularly in his home country.
In October 2022, his family announced that Mutombo was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour.
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“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
Mutombo was notorious for his blocks, as well as his iconic finger wagging celebration to the opponent after denying them a scoring opportunity.
