The NBA is mourning the loss of one of its greatest defensive icons. Dikembe Mutombo, the former 7-foot-2 center, passed away at the age of 58 due to a brain cancer, as reported by The Athletic on Monday, September 30.
A defensive record-holder
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo left an indelible mark on the NBA with his exceptional defensive skills. During his career, he won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times (1995, 1997, 1998, 2001), a record he shares with Ben Wallace and Rudy Gobert. Gobert, in achieving this feat, highlighted the legacy Mutombo left on the game.
Drafted in 1991 by the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo went on to play for several notable teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and finally the Houston Rockets, where he retired in 2009.
A life of commitment beyond basketball
Although Mutombo never won an NBA championship, with two finals losses (in 2001 with the 76ers and 2003 with the Nets), he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Beyond his impressive sports career, he dedicated his life to humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa. He worked tirelessly to develop basketball across the continent and to help those in need.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised his contributions in a statement: « Dikembe dedicated his life to helping others. He was not only a great player but also a global ambassador for basketball and a humanitarian. His commitment to the community, especially in his native Congo, will be forever remembered. »
Mutombo’s legacy continues to inspire generations of players and humanitarians around the world.
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