Congolese-American basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo, celebrated as one of the finest defensive players in NBA history, passed away at the age of 58, the league confirmed on Monday. Mutombo, an eight-time NBA All-Star, succumbed to brain cancer in the presence of his family, according to the NBA.
"Dikembe Mutombo was truly larger than life," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated about the 7ft 2in (2.18m) Hall-of-Famer. "On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he dedicated his heart and soul to helping others," Silver added, highlighting Mutombo's extensive humanitarian efforts. Mutombo, who played 18 seasons in the NBA, worked relentlessly to enhance living conditions in his native Democratic Republic of Congo through his personal foundation.
His initiatives, which involved donating millions from his personal wealth to construct a hospital on the outskirts of Kinshasa, garnered him numerous humanitarian awards, including the US President's Volunteer Service Award. "He was a humanitarian at his core," Silver remarked, often accompanying Mutombo in his role as the NBA's Global Ambassador. "He cherished what basketball could achieve to positively influence communities, particularly in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across Africa," Silver noted. "I had the honor of traveling the world with Dikembe and witnessing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people."
