The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years playing in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumour in October 2022.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that Dikembe Mutombo “was simply larger than life.” He was among the best defensive and shot-blocking players in NBA history when it came to the floor. He gave his all to helping people right off the floor.” The DR Congo-born centre Mutombo, who is 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall, was scouted while attending Georgetown University and was chosen with the fourth overall pick by the Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft.
His friendly demeanour and his celebratory finger-wagging made him a popular with the crowd. With the 76ers in 2001 and the Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets) in 2002, he made it to the NBA Finals twice.
He was well-known for his strong defensive play, leading the NBA in blocks per game for three straight seasons and blocked shots for five straight seasons. Following his retirement both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. In addition to representing the NBA internationally, Mutombo served as a humanitarian in his native nation.
“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,” Silver added. “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.”
‘An amazing human being’
The Houston Rockets, where Mutombo played for the final five years of his career, were among those who paid their respects. “Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game,” they stated. “Dikembe won over followers all around the world with his characteristic finger-wagging and upbeat demeanour, but his genuine influence came from his dedication to serving others. We send our sympathies to his devoted friends and family.
“Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league,” Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta continued. His wife, Rose, and their kids are in our hearts and prayers. During the 76ers pre-season media day, Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, also paid tribute to Mutombo. Morey affirmed, “I knew him personally.” We spent a lot of seasons together, and he clearly has value to the Sixers organisation as well.
There aren’t many men who resemble him. Simply said, an amazing person. He was someone I went to all the time when I was a rookie general manager in this league, my first opportunity in Houston. “It goes without saying that he is an incredible human being for what he accomplished for Africa off the court. Peace be with you, Dikembe.”