Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest defensive big men in NBA history, a Hall of Famer, and the league’s global ambassador, passed away on Monday at the age of 58 following a battle with brain cancer.
The 7-foot-2 center from the Democratic Republic of the Congo played 18 years in the league with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets, garnering eight All-Star Game selections, four NBA All-Defensive Team honors, and four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He was a two-time rebounding and three-time block champion and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, averaging 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in 1,196 career games.
As a player, though, he will best be remembered for his signature celebration when blocking shots — a singular finger wag that has become one of the more iconic salutes of the game.
His 3,289 blocks rank second in NBA history, only behind the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon. All the while, the man who spoke nine languages founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which strived to improve the quality of life and education for the people of his home country.
Following his playing career, he delved further into humanitarian work, serving on the boards of organizations like the Special Olympics, the CDC Foundation, and the National Board for the US Fund for UNICEF.
In 2009, he was named the NBA’s first-ever Global Ambassador, where he continued to give back through the game of basketball. Two years ago, he revealed that he was battling brain cancer and undergoing treatment in Atlanta.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement:
“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.
“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBAs 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.
“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart, and I will miss him dearly. on behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back.”
