Dikembe Mutombo is dead: an NBA legend passes away at the age of 58

Mourning in the NBA world for the death at the age of 58 of Dikembe Mutombo. The big man of Congolese origins had been fighting a brain tumor for years: “On the field he was one of the greatest blockers and defenders in NBA history – the commissioner recalls Adam Silver – Outside he put all his heart and soul into helping others.” The first NBA global ambassador, Mutombo “has always made himself available over the years for our events, with his contagious smile, his deep and booming voice and his characteristic finger movement that has endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.” Mutombo has worn Denver jerseys throughout his career, AtlantaPhiladelphia, New Jersey, New York and Houston, where he ended his career in 2009.

18 NBA seasons

Thanks to his height (218 cm), “Dike” was a totem in the paint, the area close to the basket: impressive arm span, great athleticism, chosen in the 1991 draft as the fourth overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. 18 NBA seasons, 8 times in the All Star Game, four times best defender of the year, second in the all-time ranking of blocks behind Hakeem Olajuwonhis opponent in the golden years. His wagging finger in front of his opponent who had just stopped was his trademark. For a long time he was also an ambassador for US basketball in the world with the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation. In 2015 he entered the Hall of Fame.