Legendary NBA player Dikembe Mutombo — you probably know him from the “not in my house” commercials as well — who was inducted into the Hall of Fame for being an amazing center who stood 7-foot-2, passed away Monday after losing an intense battle with brain cancer. He was only 58-years-old. Adam Silver, current NBA commissioner, published a statement about his passing, revealing that he did not die alone, but was surrounded by his loved ones.
Mutombo was a professional basketball player for 18 seasons where he earned a reputation for being one of the greatest blockers in the game. He was well known for taunting his opponents by wagging his finger after blocking their shots.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver went on to say in his statement, according to The Daily Wire. “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 and soul into helping others.”
Silver then said:
There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.
Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who 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 their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back.
The NBA first revealed that Mutombo was battling cancer and would be undergoing treatment for the illness in October 2022. The legendary blocker played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Nets, and Houston Rockets.
One of the many accolades Mutombo earned during his career was being the NBA’s top defensive player four times. His career ended with him being the second all-time in blocks with a whopping 3,289 to his credit.
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 Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
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Keep Mutombo’s family in your thoughts and prayers.