NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo (58) dies
The Congolese American former basketball pro leaves behind a proud legacy.
Former basketball Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Doha Stadium Plus Qatar
Basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) confirmed that he died on Monday (30 September) after battling brain cancer.
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ
The Congolese-American played 18 seasons with several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
He retired in 2009.
Mutombo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Tributes for the famed basketball player are flooding social media.
RIP TO DIKEMBE, THE GREATEST SHOT BLOCKER IN HISTORY ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/IsX9WuQj76
— Mirabel 🥰💜 🌺🌹 (@Godyson11) September 30, 2024
From Congo to the NBA to the HOF
— Will (@WillMadeItToo) September 30, 2024
RIP Legend 💔 pic.twitter.com/0PPHb5ldXv
One of the greatest human being I ever been associated with RIP my good brother.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— mario elie (@marioelie1) September 30, 2024
May he Rest in Peace #DikembeMutombo pic.twitter.com/lgqJybfCMO
— Bella Bee (@SmileyYYC) September 30, 2024
Truly heartbreaking news. Dikembe Mutombo's legacy extends far beyond basketball—his impact as a humanitarian and role model will always be remembered. Sending love and strength to his family and loved ones. 🙏
— Ajay Kumar (@AjayKum9313) September 30, 2024
Ah man, that's brutal news.
— Pena Cartel 🗿 (@PenaCartel) September 30, 2024
One of my favourite teams to watch as a kid pic.twitter.com/4JWmCDyPEt