Basketball star Dikembe Mutombo passes away at the age of 58.
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, renowned for his shot-blocking prowess and his famous finger-wagging gesture after rejecting opponents’ shots, passed away on Monday at the age of 58 due to brain cancer, according to the NBA. Mutombo, an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, was celebrated not only for his dominance on the court but also for his humanitarian efforts off it.Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall, Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He moved to the United States in 1987 on an academic scholarship at Georgetown University before making a name for himself as a basketball player. He was selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, and throughout his 18-year career, he played for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.Beyond his accomplishments on the court, Mutombo was known for his philanthropic work in his home country. In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve healthcare, education, and quality of life in the DRC.Dikembe Mutombo, playing for the Houston Rockets, blocks a shot during a game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 2004. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty ImagesNBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences, 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."Mutombo’s impact extended far beyond basketball, inspiring countless people around the world through his generosity and compassion. His passing is a significant loss to the basketball community and all those who were touched by his kindness and indomitable spirit.