NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, known for his teasing remarks, dies aged 58

The NBA has lost one of its greats.

Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo, famous for his finger-wagging taunts and shot-blocking skills, died Monday of brain cancer, the association announced. He was 58.

Mutombo, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times with stunning distinction, which is the most of all time.

Sometimes referred to as “Mount Mutombo,” he was known as a prolific shot blocker for each of his seven teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. He was also popular in his home country for his humanitarian work off the field.

After blocking shots, the 7-foot-11 center was known for waving his finger in the air or occasionally in his opponent’s face – a common taunt still used today by players of all ages and skill levels. Mutombo recreated his signature taunt in a 2013 Super Bowl commercial for Geico, which the company re-aired countless times over the years.

Mutombo became the NBA’s first global ambassador after his retirement in 2009. He held this position until his death.

Mutombo first came to the United States in 1987 on an academic scholarship to attend Georgetown University. As he towered over his classmates in his first year, he caught the attention of the university’s basketball coach, who added him to the squad for his second year at the university.

Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty

The rising star seized his opportunity and was selected fourth overall by the Nuggets in the 1991 NBA draft three years later.

The NBA said in a statement Monday that Mutombo began cancer treatment in Atlanta in 2022. The father of three was surrounded by his family when he died, the statement said.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said Commissioner Adam Silver. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Even off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”