Dikembe Mutombo, renowned for his towering presence and exceptional defensive abilities, died after undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, which began in October 2022.
Mutombo enjoyed an extraordinary 18-year NBA career, playing for multiple teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets, before retiring in 2009.
He was drafted by the Nuggets as the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft while attending Georgetown University.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, Mutombo captured fans’ hearts with his trademark finger-wagging celebration and infectious smile. He reached the NBA Finals twice, first with the 76ers in 2001 and then with the Nets in 2003.
In honor of his tremendous contributions to the game, both the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets retired his iconic No. 55 jersey. Mutombo was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 and later served as a global ambassador for the NBA. He was also deeply committed to humanitarian efforts, dedicating his time to improving lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa.
