NBA Legend & Hall Of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58 Of Brain Cancer [CONDOLENCES]

NBA Legend & Hall Of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58 Of Brain Cancer [CONDOLENCES]

NBA legend and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

His family shared two years ago that he was being treated for cancer in Atlanta. He was 58 years old.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the loss in a statement and 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. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

He added,

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. 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. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. 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.”

During his career, Dikembe Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. He retired in the 2008-2009 NBA season.

Condolences to his loved ones!