NBA Hall of Fame Player Dikembe Mutombo Dies at 58

Dikembe Mutombo, a legendary NBA Hall of Famer who spent nearly two decades in the league, has died at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer.

Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo came to the United States for college in the 1980s and played basketball at Georgetown University. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1991 and spent five years there before joining the Atlanta Hawks from 1996 to 2001. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks before retiring from the Houston Rockets in 2009. .

He became an eight-time NBA All-Star during his time in the league and led the league in blocks for three seasons. His outstanding blocking skills earned him the nickname “Mount Mutombo”.

In his statement following Mutombo's death, NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his sadness on behalf of the league.

“Dikembe Mutombo was larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest blockers and defenders in NBA history. Off the court, he devoted his heart and soul to helping others,” Silver said.

“There was no one more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart. 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 on the African continent,” he continued. “I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and saw firsthand how his generosity and compassion brought joy to people. He was always approachable at NBA events over the years, with his infectious smile, booming voice, and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”

Silver concluded: “Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues in those 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 extend my deepest condolences to Dikembe's wife Rose and their children, his many friends, and the global basketball community that he truly loved and who loved him too.”

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