Following a battle with battle cancer, at the age of 58 African NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo passes away.
Dikembe Mutombo, an NBA Global Ambassador and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away from brain cancer at the age of 58.
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The eight-time NBA All-Star, who played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets, was in the league for eighteen seasons before retiring in 2009.
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In October 2022, Mutombo started receiving treatment for a brain tumor. He died in his family's presence.
NBA on Dikembe Mutombo
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the a statement on the death of Mutombo.
He said, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. 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. 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.”
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