NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo tragically dies at the age of 58

We have sad news from the basketball world. Basketball Hall of Famer dies of brain cancer at age 58.

NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the news on social media.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement regarding Mutombo’s death.

“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 NBA history. Off the field, he put his heart and soul into helping others.”

“No one was more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first global ambassador. He was fundamentally a humanitarian. He loved what the game of basketball could do to have a positive impact on communities, especially in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of the United States.” I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand his generosity and his compassion encouraged people over the years – with his infectious smile and deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of many people whose lives have been touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him greatly.”

Mutombo was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. During his NBA career, he made eight All-Star teams, appeared in two NBA Finals and was a fixture for every team he played for.

He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times.

Former NBA coach Don Nelson praised Mutombo for his achievements on the basketball court back in 1994.

“There’s no one in our league who’s as intimidating as he is in the hole,” Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson said, describing Mr. Mutombo’s impact around the basket in a 1994 interview with Sports Illustrated. “He’s unique.”

Mutombo was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the No. 4 pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. He played in Denver for a few years before moving to the Atlanta Hawks. Mutombo’s jersey will be retired by both the Nuggets and Hawks.

He was also a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. During his 18-year NBA career, Mutombo averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.

He will be greatly missed and that entire Newsweeksport Family expresses our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.