NBA World in Mourning Over Death of Dikembe Mutombo

Tragic news for the basketball world Monday morning, as we've learned that beloved Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58.

The world just lost one of its greatest human beings, not just basketball players. You made an impact on Africa, America and the world with your kindness, thoughtfulness, energy and love. It was an honor to call you a friend. My condolences and prayers to the Mutombo family. https://t.co/3yWeUijdeF
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 30, 2024

The legendary shot-blocker from the Congo passed away due to brain cancer.

Mutombo, who was known for his famous finger-wag after turning away an opponent at the rim, played 18 years in the NBA, and was the Defensive Player of the Year four times as well as an eight-time All-Star.

Dikembe Mutombo:

— 4x DPOY
— 8x All-Star
— 3x All-NBA
— 6x All-Defense
— 2nd all-time in BLK
— 3rd all-time in BPG

Legend. pic.twitter.com/V31j6FBAqa
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 30, 2024

He was a three-time All-NBA selection and a six-time All-Defensive Team member. In addition, he sits second all-time in blocked shots, and third in blocks per game, with 2.8 per contest throughout his career.

RIP to the great Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest shot blockers in NBA history. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/z8NfnGWgFl
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) September 30, 2024

Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors team president, and fellow African, was very close to Mutombo, and was in tears upon learning the news.

An emotional Masai Ujiri on the tragic passing of Dikembe Mutombo: "It's really hard to believe. It's hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. He made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person. Who are we without him?"
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) September 30, 2024

RIP to one of the game's all-time great players, and humans.