Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58: NBA world mourns loss of Hall of Famer after battle with brain cancer

Gilbert McGregor

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Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58: NBA world mourns loss of Hall of Famer after battle with brain cancer image

Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died Monday at the age of 58 after a battle with cancer, the NBA announced.

Mutombo's battle dates back to 2022, when the NBA shared he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

There is no question that Mutombo is one of the most impactful players in NBA history. After being selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft, he made eight All-Star appearances, earned six All-Defensive Team selections, three All-NBA selections and won Defensive Player of the Year a record four times, which has since been tied by Rudy Gobert and Ben Wallace.

Mutombo's legacy extends well beyond his accomplishments on an NBA floor.

"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. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement about Mutombo's death.

"There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.

"I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation."

Silver's statement was one of many shared as a tribute to Mutombo, who, in addition to being one of the game's greatest players, made an impact as one of the NBA's greatest people.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.