Former Congolese basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, who played 20 seasons in the NBA, died at the age of 58 from brain cancer, the league announced Monday.
A very tall pivot (2.18 m), he was named an all-star eight times in the 1990s and 2000s, being especially recognized for his defensive qualities. He was voted Defensive Player of the Year four times, also finishing as best blocker three times and twice as best rebounder.
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He became known for his characteristic finger gesture when blocking a shot, a gesture that the NBA ultimately banned after ruling that it was a form of taunt.
Born in Kinshasa and arrived in the United States at 21, Mutombo played in two finals, in 2001 with the Philadelphia 76ers against the Los Angeles Lakers and in 2003 with the New Jersey Nets against the San Antonio Spurs, but never won the title.
“Mount Mutombo” wore the jersey for eight NBA franchises during a journey that began in 1991 in Denver and ended in Houston in 2009 at the age of 43.
“It’s a sad day, for the whole world and even more so for us Africans,” said center Joel Embiid, Philadelphia star and 2023 MVP.
“He was one of my role models, for his impact on and off the field. He did a lot of good things, for a lot of people.”
Daryl Morey, manager of the 76ers, announced visibly moved the death of Mutombo in the middle of a pre-season press conference, he who had worked with the former player in Houston.
“I knew him personally […] obviously there was his success on the ground, no need to elaborate, but above all he was a wonderful man, particularly for his work in Africa.”
Off the court, Mutombo has been tirelessly involved in improving living conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his country of origin, through his personal foundation.
These efforts, which included donating millions of dollars to help build a hospital in the suburbs of Kinshasa, earned him numerous humanitarian awards, including the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award.
“Dikembe Mutombo, on the court, was one of the greatest defenders and blockers in NBA history. Off the field, he devoted his heart and soul to helping others,” paid tribute to NBA commissioner Adam Silver in a press release, highlighting his humanitarian work.
