Image: Imago
  • Denver Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks legend was an eight-time NBA All-Star
  • Mutombo’s four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards is an all-time record held with Ben Wallace and Rudy Gobert
  • The 7’2 centre was known for his humanitarian work outside of basketball

The world of basketball has united to pay tribute to one of the all-time greats, as eight-time NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo passed away following a battle with brain cancer, aged 58.

Mutombo, who’s 55 shirt was retired by both the Denver Nuggets and the Atlanta Hawks, was revealed to have been suffering from a brain tumour by his family two years ago. He had been receiving treatment in Atlanta at the time. He died surrounded by his family, the NBA confirmed.

A four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the Congo born superstar is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players to grace the court. His finger wave, delivered to opponents who, time after time, he had blocked with his larger than life 7’2 frame, became one of the most iconic taunts in basketball history.

Nicknamed ‘Mount Mutombo’, the two-time NBA finalist was a devoted humanitarian, setting up the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997 to help improve living conditions in his native Democratic Republic of Congo. Mutombo also paid for uniforms and expenses for Zaire’s Women’s basketball team during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. In addition to this, the Hall of Famer was a long serving global ambassador for the Special Olympics and participated in the Basketball Without Borders programme, touring Africa to promote positive social change.

Mutombo’s passing was confirmed in a statement from NBA Commisioner Adam Silver earlier today, in which Silver paid tribute to the “larger than life” Mutombo’s “indomitable spirit”.

It wasn’t long before the wider basketball community were paying their respects to one of the all-time greats.

The most touching tribute came from Mutombo’s son, Ryan, who took to Instagram to share a message about “the purest heart” he has ever known.

Rest In Peace, Dikembe.

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Joe Baiamonte
Joe spent four years heading up SPORTbible’s editorial team before taking over at UNILAD Sport. Joe has regularly provided WWE coverage for almost a decade, interviewing many of the biggest names in the business and covering several major events in the United States and Europe, including four WrestleManias.
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