Hall of Famer and basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo passed away on Monday at the age of 58 following a battle with brain cancer.
The DR Congo star was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year award recipient during his long 18-year career.
Mutombo, who was the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, announced his battle with cancer in 2022, having spent his latter years as a global ambassador for the NBA while also being involved in humanitarian works in DR Congo and the African continent at large.
Following the news of his passing, the basketball world reacted to the death of one of the sports’ most cheerful figures, who was widely recognised for his defensive attributes and his finger-wag “no no no” celebration.
“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said during Philadelphia 76ers’ media day. “Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. 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.”
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game, Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. Dikembe spent 18 seasons in the NBA, including his final five as a Houston Rocket. His fun-loving personality and trademark finger-wagging endeared him to fans around the world, but Dikembe’s… pic.twitter.com/BfmKNGLGi3
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 30, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing.
Dikembe was a proud and honorable man, who lived up to the definition of a word that became synonymous with his name – humanitarian. He used his many gifts and his platform to improve the lives of everyone he… pic.twitter.com/zsLS4AihJ4
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) September 30, 2024
Rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo 🙏
Mutombo, the basketball legend, has sadly passed away at the age of 58. pic.twitter.com/N7Qxjd3zLn
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 30, 2024
You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions. You are an @NBA legend and an African icon and that will inspire the many coming generations. Rest In Peace Dikembe Mutombo.🙏 @NBA_Africa pic.twitter.com/gMpWlonmis
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) September 30, 2024
I was very sad to hear about Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be… pic.twitter.com/KZaOSAXVGE
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 30, 2024
My condolences to the family of Dikembe Mutombo. On and off the court, he was a force to be reckoned with in all of the best ways. He was a tough opponent and you never wanted to be on the receiving end of his iconic finger wag. He also made a tremendous impact in the global… pic.twitter.com/KDfa7UQOvp
— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) September 30, 2024
My dear friend Dikembe Mutombo passed away today of brain cancer. I knew him as a true humanitarian. Here we are together in a refugee camp trying to help those who could not help themselves. I will love and miss him terribly. pic.twitter.com/20dHUPaZuv
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 30, 2024
Today, NBA Africa, BAL and the global basketball community mourn the passing of NBA legend and African icon Dikembe Mutombo.
As we remember his contributions and his character, we honor a true pioneer who exemplified greatness both on the court and in service to others. pic.twitter.com/QcXFQqoQkh
— NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) September 30, 2024
Prayers up for the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Dikembe Mutombo. The Hall of Fame Center passed away today at 58 years old due to brain cancer. His Iconic Finger Wag “No No No” is still used to this day. He will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bhm5AFoHcu
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 30, 2024
#dikembemutombo
Rest in peace TATU🙏🏾 Legend 😭I’m devastated right now.Repose en paix, mon frère, mon ami. Je te pleure, j’en souffre. Tu étais un homme spécial.
Adieu frangin🙏🏾Jah bless☝🏾#nba #dikembemutombo #rip #georgetownhoyas #georgetown #nuggets #atlanta #defender pic.twitter.com/5u65PiJROU
— Roger Muntu, BASc, MBA, DBA (doctorate student) (@RMshowVoa) September 30, 2024
Dikembe Mutombo is a huge part of NBA history and pop culture, you don’t hear a rap bar or a finger wave without his name being mentioned
That’s how good he was, rest in peace legend.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) September 30, 2024
Masai Ujiri’s full tribute to the great Dikembe Mutombo.
Dikembe’s passing is indeed a really really sad day in the basketball world.
RIP Dikembe ❤️ https://t.co/IlQx57gtw6 pic.twitter.com/bUsYeag3fZ
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) September 30, 2024
RIP Dikembe Mutombo. A larger than life personality, basketball player, philanthropist, and a crusher of dwarfs. If you say “no” to anyone today, you should wag your finger at them in his honor. pic.twitter.com/Dkh86Ryeic
— Brad Williams (@funnybrad) September 30, 2024
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at 58 years old due to brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/taDWSFeCQE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 30, 2024
