Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 due to brain cancer.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver made the following statement: “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.”
The statement continued: “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.
“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly.”
According to the NBA, Mutombo died surrounded by his family.
In the wake of the news, many fans have taken to social media to express their condolences.
“RIP to the great Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest shot blockers in NBA history,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another added: “RIP to the great Dikembe Mutombo. True legend.”
Mutombo was inducted into the Hall of Fame after an impressive career.
Over his 18 seasons in the NBA, Mutombo made two NBA final appearances and played in eight All-Star Games.
He played for teams such as the 76ers, Nets, Knicks, and Rockets before retiring in 2009.
The 7-foot-2-inch star was known for his impressive shot-blocking abilities, often frustrating his opponents.
In 1992, his standout performances earned him a deal with Adidas, and he released a shoe to compete with Nike’s Jordans, made famous by Michael Jordan.
The Adidas Mutombo was re-released as a retro shoe in 2013 and quickly sold out due to high demand from sneaker enthusiasts.
In a commercial for the shoe, Mutombo humorously challenged Jordan and Nike, saying: “Man does not fly in the house of Mutombo.”
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