In a recently released press statement, the NBA confirmed the passing of basketball hall of fame Dikembe Mutombo.
On Monday, September 30, 2024, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA.” Silver added, “Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
The news of Mutombo’s passing reached Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey on Monday at the team’s media day. Mutombo and Morey spent many seasons together in Houston. As Morey took in the news, tears began to rise in his eyes. Describing him, Morey said Mutombo was “a great guy and a great human being.”
Morey said, “There aren’t many guys like him. When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first chance in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time. Just an amazing human being, what he did off the court for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”
What Was the Cause of Dikembe Mutombo’s Death?
According to a league statement, Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58 following a prolonged battle with brain cancer. The cancer announcement was made in 2022 when Mutombo’s family revealed that he was in Atlanta undergoing treatment.
The announcement revealed that Mutombo passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. The former NBA star was unique in so many ways that players of this generation gravitated toward him, such as Cameroon-born Joel Embiid.
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Embiid said, “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world. Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court.”
Embiid continued, “He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”
Who Is Dikembe Mutombo’s Son?
Dikembe Mutombo’s son, Ryan Mutombo, is a rising basketball player. Ryan has written a moving tribute to his father following his death. Posting to his social media page, Ryan wrote, “My dad will forever be my hero.”
He added, “Not because of his success—not because of the millions who, over the last four decades, have come to know and love him. My dad is my hero because he simply cared.” He continued, “He remains the purest heart I have ever known. At times, I thought of my dad as a superhuman.”
Ryan further penned sweet words about the NBA legend, noting how he impacted the people around him and how much he loves and aspires to be like his father.
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How Many Years Did Dikembe Mutombo Play in the NBA?
Dikembe Mutombo played in the NBA for 18 seasons with Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York, and the New Jersey Nets. Mutombo, who is from Georgetown, was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA pick and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
During his 18-year career, Dikembe Mutombo averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He last played in the 2008-09 season and spent his retirement working for charitable and humanitarian organizations. Mutombo spoke nine languages, establishing the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997.
The foundation works to enhance Congo’s health, education, and quality of life. Furthermore, he served on boards for Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation, and the National Board of the US Fund for UNICEF.
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In 1998, Dikembe Mutombo became one of the youngest NBA players to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times. The others are reigning DPOY champion Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.
Who Is Dikembe Mutombo’s Wife?
Dikembe Mutombo’s death has left many, including his family, wife, and NBA members, in mourning after the revelation of his death. The NBA Hall of Famer, who passed away on September 30, 2024, is survived by his wife, Rose Mutombo, and their three children, Carrie, JJ, and Ryan.
According to reports, Rose and Dikembe Mutombo married in the 1990s and have been together ever since. During their time together, the pair also adopted four more children.
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