THE NBA mourns the death of Dikembe Mutombo. The Congolese died this Monday at the age of 58 after failing to overcome brain cancer against which he had been fighting for some time.
It was the NBA itself which announced this sad result via its social networks. “He was surrounded by his family,” said the world’s most important basketball competition.
Considered one of the best NBA players of recent times, Mutombo announced in October 2022 that he was suffering from this brain cancer which ultimately ended his life. At that time, few details were given other than the fact that he received the best possible care and that he was very encouraged in this fight against the disease.
Mutombo went on to play for six different NBA franchises during his thirteen-year career in the world’s best competition. He arrived in the United States in 1991 to play in the Denver Nuggets and later played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, his last venture before his retirement in 2009.
Considered one of the best defensive centers of all time, Mutombo was a current NBA Global Ambassador and Hall of Famer.
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ
—NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, wanted to devote a few words to the recently deceased. In addition to highlighting his expertise on the field, he also spoke about his outside side: “He dedicated himself body and soul to helping others.”
Statement from Adam Silver
Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the best shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the field, he gave his heart and soul to helping others.
No one was more qualified than Dikembe to become the NBA’s first global ambassador. Deep down, he was a humanitarian. He loved what basketball could do to positively influence communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. Over the years, he has always been approachable at NBA events, with his infectious smile, booming voice and signature finger movements endearing him to basketball fans of all generations.
Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and his children; to his many friends; and to the global basketball community, whom he truly loved and who returned the favor.
