NBA star Dikembe Mutombo dies of brain cancer at the age of 58 – DW – September 30, 2024

Congolese-American basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, has died of brain cancer, according to the league.

Mutombo, who was 58, was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. He has since been treated in Atlanta, USA.

“My dad is my hero because he just took care of him. He remains the purest heart I have ever known,” his son Ryan Mutombo wrote on social media.

Almost two decades at the top

Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA, during which he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Over the course of his career, he played for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets and averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

His 7-foot-2 (2.18 meters) height helped him become one of the league's best shot blockers. At the end of his career, he had blocked 3,289 shots, second all-time in the NBA rankings.

His gesture of waving his index finger after blocking an opponent's shot and often telling him, “Not in my house” remained his trademark long after his retirement.

Thanks to his incredible career, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

A life dedicated to basketball and humanitarian work

Mutombo retired in 2009 to focus on his personal foundation, which worked to improve the health, education and quality of life of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

One of his most notable projects was the construction of a hospital in his home country, for which he was awarded the US President's Volunteer Service Award.

He also became the NBA's first global ambassador and served on the boards of Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

The NBA community flooded social media with condolences

News of his death sparked numerous reactions and messages from NBA players and staff.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he put his heart and soul into helping others,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silber.

“It is a sad day, especially for us Africans and actually for the whole world. Aside from what he accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He's one of the guys I look up to.” “He's made an impact not only on the pitch but off the pitch too. He’s done a lot of great things,” Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid said.

76ers President Daryl Morey, who played with Mutombo in Houston, was also shocked by the news.

“There aren't many people like him. Just a great person. When I first played in Houston as a general manager in this league, he was someone I went to all the time,” Morey said.

“He was always there to talk to me and give me advice on how to approach the season and take care of my body and take care of my body after games and stretches and trying different things like yoga,” Milwaukee said Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.