Dikembe Mutombo, NBA Hall Of Famer, Dead At 58

Mutombo was an eight-time NBA All-Star and four-time Defensive Player Of The Year.

September 30, 2024 12:18pm

Former NBA Player, Dikembe Mutombo attends the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors – NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan.

Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images

The NBA and its massive fanbase suffered another difficult loss this week. NBA Hall Of Famer and all-time defender Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58.

Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported on Mutombo’s passing on Monday morning (Sept. 30), stating that the cause of death was brain cancer. His brain tumor was first revealed years ago by his family, who said that he was being treated for it in Atlanta, the same city he played for from 1996 to 2001. The NBA reported that he was surrounded by his family when he was officially pronounced dead.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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. There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador.”

Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo passed away today from brain cancer. He was 58.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 30, 2024

“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people,” Adam Silver added. “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.”

“It’s 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,” Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid said. “He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people, so he was a role model of mine.”

Mutombo played in the NBA for 18 seasons, with stints on the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He racked up eight All-Star game selections, four Defensive Player Of The Year awards, three All-NBA selections, six All-Defensive team selections, and led the NBA in rebounds twice and blocks three times. His No. 55 jersey was retired by both the Nuggets and Hawks.

Dikembo Mutombo’s legendary career was properly highlighted in 2015 when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame. The defensive specimen will be remembered for being second all-time in the NBA for blocks and his signature finger wag, which has been influential beyond when he used it on the hardwood, even if it made him the subject of multiple fines.

“Any time I would block shots, people would still be coming and trying to put a little bit on me. Then I used to shake my head every time I would block the shot,” he once stated. “Then I said, man f**k this. Those guys are not listening to me. Maybe if I start giving them the finger wag. And I tell you what, I lost a lot of money because of that finger wag, man. I got so many technical fouls, but no referee would kick me out of the game.”

Rest in peace to Dikembe Mutombo. VIBE sends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and fans.

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