In October 2022, Mutombo started receiving treatment for a brain tumor.
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 court. He gave his all to helping people right off the floor.”
The DR Congo-born center Mutombo, who stands 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 demeanor and characteristic celebratory finger-wagging made him a favourite 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.
The Hawks and Nuggets both retired his number 55 shirt after he retired, and he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015.
In addition to representing the NBA internationally, Mutombo served as a humanitarian in his native nation.
“He was passionate about the positive effects basketball could have on communities, particularly in his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa,” Silver continued.
“With his contagious smile, rich, powerful voice, and distinctive finger wag, he was always approachable at NBA events over the years, winning over basketball fans of all ages.”
Among those to pay tribute were the Houston Rockets, where Mutombo spent the last five years of his playing career.
“Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game,” they said.
“Dikembe won over admirers all over the world with his characteristic finger-wagging and upbeat demeanor, but his genuine influence came from his dedication to serving others.
