NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, enjoyed an impressive 18-year career in the league, playing for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor in October 2022.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, the DR Congo-born center 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 signature finger-wagging celebration made him a fan favorite.
Mutombo reached the NBA Finals twice, first with the 76ers in 2001 and then with the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) in 2003. Renowned for his defensive skills, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and holds the record for blocks per game over three consecutive seasons.
After retiring, both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 jersey, and in 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Mutombo also served as a global ambassador for the NBA, dedicating time to humanitarian work in his home country.
“He loved what basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa,” Silver added. “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.”
Among those paying tribute was the Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent his final five playing years. “Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game,” they said. “His fun-loving personality and trademark finger-wagging endeared him to fans worldwide, but Dikembe’s true impact was his passion for helping others. Our condolences go out to his loving family and friends.”
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta remarked, “Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community, and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rose, and their children.”
Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, also remembered Mutombo during the team’s pre-season media day. “I knew him personally,” said Morey. “He was obviously important to the Sixers franchise. There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being. When I was a rookie GM in this league, he was someone I turned to often. His accomplishments on the court were impressive, but he was an amazing human being—what he did off the court for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”
The Nuggets stated that Mutombo’s “memory and impact will certainly never be forgotten,” while Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler added, “With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.”