Charles Barkley reacts to devastating NBA news

The NBA on Monday announced the tragic news that Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away.

Mutombo spent 18 seasons with the Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks.

About the NBA: “NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.”

Thousands of people reacted to the news on social media and one person sent out an Instagram post post was NBA legend Charles Barkley.

Barkley captioned his post, “It’s a sad day. We lost a great basketball player, but more importantly, a great man. Rest in peace, big fella.”

Barkley in Instagram video: “Hey guys, Charles here. Hard news, hard news today in the NBA. One of the greatest people. He was obviously a great basketball player, but I’ve never met a nicer man… This is a sad day for our NBA family. I have never met a nicer man than Dikembe Mutombo. My heart goes out to his children. We lost a great man man…rest in peace big guy.

Mutombo posted career averages of 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.8% from the field in 1,196 regular season games.

The eight-time NBA All-Star also appeared in 101 playoff games (72 starts).

At age 42, he retired after the 2009 season.