NEW YORK: The NBA reported on September 30 that Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer, has died at 58 from brain cancer.
The 7-foot-2 Congolese player was beloved for his defensive prowess, earning eight NBA All-Star selections and four defensive player of the year awards.
“Dikembe Mutombo was a larger-than-life figure. On the court, he was recognized as one of the most formidable shot-blockers and defensive players in the league’s history. Off the court, he passionately dedicated himself to helping others,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement.
His lively spirit and trademark finger-wagging move endeared him to fans during his 18-year career with six teams, where he averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He made it to the NBA Finals twice.
After retiring in 2009, he became the first global ambassador for the NBA, playing a crucial role in promoting the sport across Africa.
“He was passionate about the positive impact that basketball could have on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the African continent,” Silver noted.