Dikembe Mutombo, the Hall of Fame center and one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, died of brain cancer at the age of 58, the NBA said Monday.
Mutombo, who was inducted into the James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who ranks second on the NBA’s career blocks list. Mutombo was also known for his humanitarian work and served as an NBA Global Ambassador.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. 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,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
Silver continued: “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.”
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/fkFPaiMVD3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 30, 2024
Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. The 7-foot-2 center earned eight All-Star and three All-NBA selections.
Mutombo was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Takashi Aoyama / Getty Images)
