Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, known for his iconic shot-blocking prowess and signature finger wave, has passed away at the age of 58. The NBA announced Monday that the former NBA center died from brain cancer, CNN reports.
Mutombo, a towering figure at 7-foot-2, was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. His defensive dominance, which saw him lead the league in blocks for five consecutive seasons, earned him a place as the second-highest all-time blocked shots leader in NBA history. Yet, his on-court intensity was balanced by a playful smile and a generous heart.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mutombo began his journey to basketball stardom at Georgetown University, where he joined the basketball team in 1989 after initially being awarded an academic scholarship. His talents were quickly recognized, and he was selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.
During his 18-year NBA career, Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
Off the court, Mutombo was renowned for his philanthropic work. In 1997, he established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, dedicated to improving education and quality of life in his native DRC.
In 2022, the NBA confirmed Mutombo was receiving treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta. He passed away surrounded by his family on Monday.
