Dikembe Mutombo passed away on September 30 at the age of 58. The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the heartbreaking news, revealing he died due to brain cancer.
Photo: NBAE/Getty Images
The league also noted that he was surrounded by his family. In 2022, Dikembe’s family disclosed that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement honoring the NBA legend, describing him as “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.”
See the full tribute below:
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/uHgZgSBDUJ
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
Dikembe is known for his defensive shot-blocking abilities and signature finger wag, as well as his extensive humanitarian initiatives.
He was an eight-time NBA All-Star, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. After retiring in 2009, he became the NBA’s first global ambassador.
Rest in power, Dikembe Mutombo.
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