The National Basketball Association (NBA) is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, who was announced to have died on Monday, September 30. The NBA confirmed his passing and paid tribute in a statement released by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on X, stating, “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.”
The commissioner 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.”
The NBA shared details about the cause of death on X, revealing ,“NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.”
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/fkFPaiMVD3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 30, 2024
This news follows the former basketball player’s treatment for a brain tumor in 2022. During that time, the NBA posted a statement on X, saying, “He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment.”
The late Hall of Famer, who was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was a legend in the sport, having played for six different teams in the NBA from the 1990s to the late 2000s: the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
In addition to his basketball career, Mutombo was recognized as a humanitarian. Adam Silver highlighted this in his statement, noting,“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.”