The legendary Dikembe Mutombo has passed away: NBA deeply saddened
30 september 2024 в 20:37
The National Basketball Association (NBA) mourns the loss of the famous Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, whose death was announced on Monday, September 30. The NBA confirmed his passing and paid tribute in a statement released by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, which said: «Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defenders in NBA history. Off the court, he gave his heart and soul, helping others».
The Commissioner added: «He was always present at NBA events for many years — with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice, and his trademark finger wag that captivated basketball fans of every generation».
The NBA shared details about the cause of death on Monday, stating: «NBA Global Ambassador and Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family».
This news follows the treatment of the former basketball player for a brain tumor in 2022. At that time, the NBA released a statement saying: «He is receiving the best possible treatment from a collective team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment».
The late famous player, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a legend in the sport, playing for six different NBA teams from the 1990s to the late 2000s: the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
In addition to his basketball career, Mutombo was recognized as a humanitarian. Adam Silver emphasized this in his statement, noting: «No one was more fitting than Dikembe to become the first global ambassador for the NBA. 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 Congo and across the continent of Africa»
The Commissioner added: «He was always present at NBA events for many years — with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice, and his trademark finger wag that captivated basketball fans of every generation».
The NBA shared details about the cause of death on Monday, stating: «NBA Global Ambassador and Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family».
This news follows the treatment of the former basketball player for a brain tumor in 2022. At that time, the NBA released a statement saying: «He is receiving the best possible treatment from a collective team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment».
The late famous player, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a legend in the sport, playing for six different NBA teams from the 1990s to the late 2000s: the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets.
In addition to his basketball career, Mutombo was recognized as a humanitarian. Adam Silver emphasized this in his statement, noting: «No one was more fitting than Dikembe to become the first global ambassador for the NBA. 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 Congo and across the continent of Africa»
© Puhova Marina
