DIKEMBE Mutombo, the NBA legend known for his ferocious shot-blocking and trademark finger wag, died on Monday after a battle with brain cancer, the NBA announced.
He was 58.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver led the tributes for the Hall of Famer and humanitarian, who was diagnosed with the disease back in Oct. 2022.
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Mutombo was surrounded by his family when he passed, the league said.
"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life on the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA," said Silver.
"Off the floor he poured his heart and soul into helping others."
Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA until his retirement in 2008-2009, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets.
The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an All-Star eight times.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who looks up to Mutombo as an inspiration, said: “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world.
“Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court ... He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”
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