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Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer has died, the NBA announced Monday. He was 58.
The league said Mutombo died after a battle with brain cancer.
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”
Beyond basketball, Mutombo’s distinct voice and infectious personality have made him a beloved figure, appearing in various commercials and charitable endeavors over the years.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Mutombo was an 8-time NBA All-Star, 4-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and led the league in blocked shots for several seasons. He played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets.
The Hall of Famer was widely known for his finger wag after blocking a shot during his career.
Mutombo is also well known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He built the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, which provides much-needed medical care to underserved populations. His work has earned him recognition as a global humanitarian.
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