NBA Hall of Famer and icon Dikembe Mutombo has tragically passed away. He was 58 years old.
The NBA confirmed news of Mutombo’s death via a press release statement. The statement revealed that brain cancer was the cause of his death. Mutombo died while surrounded by his family.
NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo Dies at 58
Dikembe Mutombo began his basketball career as a collegiate star at Georgetown before being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. From 1991 to 2009, he would go on to play for the Nuggets, Hawks, Sixers, Nets, and Rockets.
Perhaps the greatest shot blocker in NBA history, Mutombo led the NBA in blocks per game in 3 different seasons. He was best known for his iconic block celebration: a finger wag followed by mouthing “no no no, not in my house” to his opponents.
RIP to the great Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest shot blockers in NBA history. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/z8NfnGWgFl
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 30, 2024
NBA Commissioner Posts Touching Tribue to Mutombo
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement on Mutombo’s death. In the tribute, Silver perfectly described Mutombo’s impact both on and off the court.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver began. “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,” the statement continued.
“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.”