NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58.

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 due to brain cancer.

The eight-time NBA All-Star retired in 2009 after playing 18 seasons in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumour in October 2022.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “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.”

Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, Mutombo, a DR Congo-born centre, was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets as the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft.

His warm personality and trademark finger-wagging celebration made him a fan favourite.

He twice reached the NBA Finals, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then for the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.

Known for his defensive game, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for a record three consecutive seasons.

After his retirement, both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and in 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Mutombo was a global ambassador for the NBA and carried out humanitarian work in his home country.

He was always accessible at NBA events, with his infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

The Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent the last five years of his playing career, paid tribute to him, saying, “Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game.”

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta added, “The entire NBA community beloved Dikembe, and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league.”

Daryl Morey, the Philadelphia 76ers basketball operations president, also remembered Mutombo, calling him “an amazing human being” and praising his accomplishments on and off the court.

The Nuggets and Hawks also paid tribute to Mutombo, with the Nuggets saying his “memory and impact will certainly never be forgotten,” and Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler stating, “With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.”

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