Dikembe Mutombo/ESPN

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on Monday, September 30, 2024 that Dikembe Mutombo has died of brain cancer at age 58. The Hall of Fame inductee died surrounded by his family, the NBA said.

Two years ago, the Mutombo family revealed that the finger-wagging center and DR Congo native was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor.

Reactions from the NBA Community 

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. 

“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 into helping others,” he added.  

“It is a sad day, especially for us Africans – – and really the whole world – – because, other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court,” said Cameroonian international and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. 

I’m incredibly sad to hear about Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. I treasure the fact that I got to know him and travel with him and call him my friend,” said Sports Industry Leader, Victor Williams. 

Dikembe Mutombo’s Nearly-two-decade Basketball Career

Mutombo’s basketball career lasted for nearly two decades. 

The 7-foot-2 Mutombo played 18 NBA seasons for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, then-New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. Mutombo’s career ended in the 2008-09 season.

The Georgetown center was the league’s top defensive player four times. He earned three All-NBA selections and played in eight All-Star Games. He ranks 20th in rebounds (12,359) and finished with 3,289 blocks, runner up to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830).

Dikembe Mutombo in his youth days/Google

Dikembe Mutombo’s Achievement 

Mutombo’s career was eventful because he played for a number of goals and achieved a lot.

The center featured in one of the league’s most iconic playoffs moments. He helped eighth-seeded Denver oust top-seeded Seattle in the first round of the 1994 Western Conference playoffs. That best-of-five series marked the first time a No.8 beat a No.1 in NBA history.

Deservedly, in 2015, Mutombo made it into the Basketball Hall of Fame after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds for his career.

Mutombo received extensive honour for his service off the field. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and was awarded the Congressional Humanitarian Award in 2013. He also received the 2018 Sager Strong Award, which is awarded to “an individual who has been a trailblazer while exemplifying courage, faith, compassion, and grace.” 

Mutombo and Nelson Mandela/The Africa Mirror

Mutombo’s Contributions to Africa 

Following his playing career, Mutombo worked extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes. He served as an ambassador for the sport, particularly in the development of the Basketball Africa League.

Mutombo’s contributions went beyond basketball where he made his mark on and off the court. He believed that his legacy would not be about his basketball success. His conviction was that the impact he had on his communities was far more important.

In 2007, he opened the Biamba Marie Hospital in Kinshasa.

In 2021, he opened the Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science and Entrepreneurship in Mbuji-Mayi, DR Congo. Mutombo said the school is an investment in children and their families. He also added that he built it in honour of his father, Samuel Mutombo. 

In 2021, he established Mutombo Coffee to help women farmers participate in international trade.

Mutombo/Mutombo Coffee