Heartbreaking news this Monday morning: the sports world has lost another legend.
The NBA announced that Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after losing his battle with brain cancer. Mutombo, who began receiving treatment for cancer in 2022, was surrounded by his family, according to the league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remembered Mutombo as “simply larger than life.” Silver continued, “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.” He said in a statement. Silver went on to say of the NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer,
“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.”
“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he 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.”
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The retired 7 feet 2 inches Congolese-American basketball was one of the league’s most formidable shot-blockers, earning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times and being selected to the All-Star team eight times. His impact extended beyond the court; he is celebrated for his humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which focuses on improving education and health care in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
People greatly respected him not only for his athletic prowess and contributions to basketball but also for his dedication to philanthropy and advocacy for social issues.
Following the heartbreaking news tributes have started pouring in online. Michale Rubin said, “Sad day we lost an incredible person who loved helping others. He will be missed ❤️❤️”Dikembe Mutombo’s son, Ryan, also shared a special message honoring his father. He said,
“My dad will forever be my hero. Not because of his success – not because of the millions who, over the last four decades, have come to know and love him. My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known.”
Dikembe Mutombo will be greatly missed.