Dikembe Mutombo, NBA legend and Hall of Famer, dies of brain cancer at 58
SUMMARY
NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, known for his towering presence on the court and his humanitarian work off it, passed away at the age of 58 following a two-year battle with brain cancer. Mutombo, a Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant shot blockers in NBA history, was diagnosed with the illness in October 2022. He was surrounded by family when he passed. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Mutombo, lauding both his defensive prowess and his compassion. "Dikembe was a global ambassador for basketball and a humanitarian at his core," Silver said. Mutombo's legacy extended beyond basketball, with his philanthropic efforts focused particularly on improving healthcare and education in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for his signature finger wag and deep voice, Mutombo leaves behind a lasting impact on both the game of basketball and the lives he touched worldwide.
