NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, known for his towering presence both on and off the court, has passed away at the age of 58 from brain cancer, the NBA announced Monday.
Throughout his 18-year career, Mutombo played for six NBA teams over 18 seasons, earning eight All-Star selections and becoming a shot-blocking legend, famous for his signature finger wag. He retired in 2009 and was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Off the court, Mutombo’s impact was just as powerful. As the NBA’s first Global Ambassador, he dedicated himself to humanitarian causes, particularly in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and played a key role in developing the Basketball Africa League, CBS News reports.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.♥️
Cover photo: NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Has Joined The Ancestors / Photo Credit: AP Photo/Julio Cortez