OAN Staff James Myers
9:55am – Monday, September 30, 2024
Dikembe Mutumbo, the NBA legend known for his trademark finger wag, has died at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer.
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Mutumbo's long NBA career spanned from 1991 to 2009, earning him eight All-Star appearances and four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
“Dikembe Mutombo was truly larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
The 7-foot big man averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game during his career and was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
The Hall of Famer is a native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, played college basketball at Georgetown University, and was drafted fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.
During his 18 NBA seasons, Mutombo also played for five other teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
Mutombo's honors include being named the league's top defensive player four times, being named All-NBA three times and appearing in eight All-Star Games. He is ranked 20thth He finished with career rebounds (12,359) and career blocks (3,289), second only to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830).
After retiring, Mutombo became an ambassador for the NBA, spreading his love for the NBA around the world.
“There was no one more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first global ambassador. He was a humanitarian at heart. I was interested in how games could have a positive impact,” Silver said.
“I traveled the world with Dikembe and saw firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always approachable and welcoming at NBA events over the years. , whose infectious smile, deep, resonant voice and signature finger wag endeared him to basketball fans of all generations.
Mutumbo also served on the boards of various organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation, and the United States Fund for UNICEF National Board of Directors.
In addition to his wife, Rose, Mutombo leaves behind three children and four more whom he adopted after Rose's brother died.
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