Tim Reynolds, Associated Press
Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is receiving treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA announced on Saturday.
Originally from Congo, Mutombo has been one of the league’s global ambassadors for years.
Most recently, he made a Hall of Fame appearance and two preseason games in Saitama, Japan.
In August he attended an event in Congo with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“He is receiving the best possible care from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta. She is in a good mood, Mutombo’s family said in a statement.
“Dikembe and her family are asking for their privacy right now so they can focus on her care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes ”.
56-year-old Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the Nets, before playing in New Jersey.
Following his tenure in Georgetown in the NCAA, the seven-foot-two centerman formed eight All-Star Teams, also being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mutombo ended his career in 2008-09. Since then, he has worked extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes.
The foundation that bears his name led to the construction of a 170-bed hospital in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo.
