Former NBA star and humanitarian, Dikembe Mutombo, has passed away at the age of 58 after a fight with brain cancer.
Mutombo, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had an 18-season career in the NBA, where he became known as one of the greatest shot-blockers and defensive players in the league’s history.
Selected fourth in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo went on to play for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He retired in 2009, capping off an impressive career that earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
After retiring from basketball, Mutombo became equally famous for his humanitarian work. He was especially active with the Special Olympics and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in his home country of Congo, aiming to improve health and quality of life for its citizens.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Mutombo, saying:
“Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life. On the court, he was one of the best shot blockers and defenders the NBA has ever seen. Off the court, his heart was dedicated to helping others. He was a perfect choice to become the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. Dikembe’s love for basketball and its ability to uplift communities—especially in Africa—was inspiring.”
Silver also fondly remembered traveling with Mutombo and witnessing his generosity and compassion firsthand, noting his “infectious smile, deep booming voice, and signature finger wag” that made him beloved by basketball fans across generations.
In 2022, Mutombo publicly revealed he was being treated for a brain tumor. He passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, and their seven children, four of whom they adopted.