NBA Corridor of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died from mind most cancers on the age of 58.
The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years taking part in within the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumour in October 2022.
“Dikembe Mutombo was merely bigger than life,” mentioned NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“On the court docket he was one of many biggest shot blockers and defensive gamers within the historical past of the NBA. Off the ground, he poured his coronary heart and soul into serving to others.”
Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, DR Congo-born centre Mutombo was found whereas finding out at Georgetown College and was chosen by the Nuggets with the fourth total decide within the 1991 NBA Draft.
His heat character and trademark finger-wagging celebration made him a fan favorite.
He twice reached the NBA Finals, first for the 76ers in 2001 after which the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.
Identified for his defensive sport, he led the NBA in blocked pictures for 5 consecutive seasons and blocks per sport for a file three consecutive seasons.
Following his retirement each the Hawks and Nuggets retired his quantity 55 shirt, and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Corridor of Fame.
Mutombo was a worldwide ambassador for the NBA and carried out humanitarian work in his house nation.
“He cherished what the sport of basketball might do to make a optimistic influence on communities, particularly in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout the continent of Africa,” Silver added.
“He was all the time accessible at NBA occasions over time – along with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball followers of each technology.”