2024-09-30 17:13:28
If Dikembe Mutombo blocked his opponent, he would see his warning finger. The legendary basketball player died at the age of just 58.
Mourning for Dikembe Mutombo: The long-time NBA star died at the age of just 58. The 2.18 meter tall center suffered from a brain tumor for around two years and has now lost the fight. The NBA confirmed this on Monday.
Mutombo is one of the best centers in basketball history, was voted an NBA all-star eight times, was also named Defensive Player of the Year four times and also made it into the Hall of Fame. In 2020, the NBA ranked the Congolese native as the 21st best center in NBA history. He played for the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets), New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Mutombo was known for his strength at the rim and was one of the best players when it came to blocking shots. Iconic was the warning finger he showed his opponents after he had ruined their attempt.
NBA chief executive Adam Silver shared his regrets on Monday: “Dikembe Mutombo was simply a great person. On the court he was one of the best shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court he was heart and soul in helping others.”
Mutombo also served as an ambassador for the NBA. “He was a humanitarian to his core. He loved using basketball to have a positive impact on communities, particularly in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and throughout the African continent,” Silver said.
Dikembe Mutombo leaves behind a wife and two sons.