RECHERCHE


NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo tragically passed away at 58 years old from brain cancer

PUBLICATION
Daniel Lucente
September 30, 2024  (2:48 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Dikembe Mutombo with the Houston Rockets
Photo credit: Key Executives

Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend famous for his finger wagging when blocking shots, has tragically passed away due to brain cancer.

Dikembe Mutombo, basketball legend and enigmatic figure with larger-than-life stature on and off the courts, died at 58 after his battle with brain cancer. Standing 7'2" in height, his frame commanded respect in the sport for his near-twenty-year dominance in the NBA.

During his stellar 18-season career from 1991 through 2009, Mutombo had become the face of defense. He was second in the league's all-time blocked shots, having been an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, managing himself as one of the greatest defenders to have played the game. He was inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame because of his immense contributions. His jersey was retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. Other NBA teams he has played for include the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.

Off the court, Mutombo became an incredibly popular man with his philanthropy. Most notably, he was involved in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He had a foundation called the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation that worked to improve healthcare and living conditions in the Congo. Much of his work also extended beyond that, having been heavily involved with humanitarian global efforts, especially with the Special Olympics, to which he made great contributions toward improving the lives of all those with disabilities.

A naturalized U.S. citizen, Mutombo used his fluency in seven languages to support many causes. Among the many boards he served on were the CDC Foundation, UNICEF USA, and Special Olympics International. His international outreach and commitment to service were as passionate and intense as his game face had been.

In addition to his professional and philanthropic achievements, Dikembe Mutombo was known for a playful spirit that often could not resist teasing opponents with his signature finger wag after blocking a shot. He is survived by his wife Rose and their seven children, four of whom were adopted. Mutombo leaves a legacy extending beyond the realm of basketball and will be remembered just as much for his generosity and commitment to others as he will for his legendary career.


Warning: include(/home//inout/pub_inline.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/436179.php on line 37

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home//inout/pub_inline.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/cpanel/ea-php74/root/usr/share/pear') in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/436179.php on line 37
POLL
SEPTEMBRE 30   |   95 ANSWERS
NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo tragically passed away at 58 years old from brain cancer

Were you a fan of Dikembe Mutombo?

Yes5658.9 %
No3941.1 %
LIST OF POLLS

TOP 5
2025-2026
CLASSEMENT LNH
PJVDDPPTS
Sabres8250239109
Lightning8250266106
Canadiens82482410106
Bruins82452710100
Senators8244271199
Red Wings8241311092
Panthers824038484
Maple Leafs8232361478
PJVDDPPTS
Hurricanes8253227113
Penguins8241251698
Flyers8243271298
Capitals824330995
Blue Jackets8240301292
Islanders824334591
Devils824237387
Rangers823439977
PJVDDPPTS
Avalanche82551611121
Stars82502012112
Wild82462412104
Mammoth824333692
Blues8237331286
Predators8238341086
Jets8235351282
Blackhawks8229391472
PJVDDPPTS
Golden Knights8239261795
Oilers8241301193
Ducks824333692
Kings8235272090
Sharks823935886
Kraken8234371179
Flames823439977
Canucks822549858
CLASSEMENT COMPLET