Dikemebe Motumbo Dies In Hospital Battling With Brain Tumor

The NBA said on Monday that Dikembe Mutombo, the finger-wagging, Hall of Fame center who devoted a large portion of his post-basketball career to serving as an ambassador for the game, has passed away from brain cancer at the age of 58.

Mutombo’s family reported two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. He passed away accompanied by his family, according to the NBA.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.”

He was among the best defensive and shot-blocking players in NBA history when it came to the floor. He dropped on the ground and gave his all to assist 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.”

Before retiring during the 2008–09 season, Mutombo played for eighteen NBA seasons for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.

The 7-foot-2 former Georgetown center participated in eight All-Star Games, won three All-NBA selections, and was named the league’s best defensive player four times.

He concluded with 3,289 blocks, second only to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830), and ranks 20th in rebounds (12,359).

References and Citation

espn.com – Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at age 58

cnn.com – Basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, known for his shot-blocking skill and famed finger wave, dies at 58

bbc.com – Basketball star Dikembe Mutombo, known for his shot-blocking skill and famed finger wave, dies at 58

thecable.ng – Dikembe Mutombo, NBA hall of famer, dies of brain cancer at 58