Dikembe Mutombo, a basketball Hall of Famer known for his iconic finger wag after blocking shots, passed away at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Mutombo for his incredible skills on the court as a shot blocker and defensive player, as well as his charitable work in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and throughout Africa. Mutombo was the first global ambassador for the NBA and touched the lives of many with his philanthropy and kindness. Silver expressed his deep condolences to Mutombo’s family, friends, and the global basketball community.
Mutombo made a name for himself as a premier defensive player at Georgetown, where he took over the center position after Patrick Ewing left for the NBA. He was a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year winner and was known for his shot-blocking prowess, once swatting away 12 shots in a single game. The 7-foot-2 center was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and became even better as a defender during his NBA career. His signature move of wagging his finger at opponents after blocking their shots became iconic and symbolic of his dominance on the court.
During his time with the Nuggets, Mutombo was part of the historic team that became the first No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1 seed in the 1994 NBA playoffs. He was known for his emotional displays and memorable moments on the court, including holding the ball over his head in celebration after a big win. Mutombo’s defensive prowess carried over to the other teams he played for, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He retired after the 2008-09 season, leaving a legacy as an eight-time All-Star, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and three-time blocks leader.
Tributes poured in for Mutombo on social media following the news of his passing, with many remembering his impact on the game of basketball and beyond. He finished his career ranked second in all-time blocks with 3,289 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Mutombo’s legacy as a defensive stalwart and humanitarian will be remembered by fans, friends, and colleagues for years to come. His indomitable spirit and big heart touched the lives of many, and his contributions to the game of basketball and his charitable work will continue to inspire others.
