NBA community mourns as Dikembe Mutombo passes away
The NBA community mourns as Hall-of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo passed away due to brain cancer at the age of 58.
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NBA COMMUNITY MOURNS AS MUTOMBO SUCCUMBS TO BRAIN CANCER
The NBA community mourns after the league announced on Monday that Mutombo succumbed to brain cancer.
Furthermore, the 7-foot-2 Democratic Republic of the Congo big man was surrounded by immediate family members when he died.
Moreover, Mutombo’s family admitted that the center underwent treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor two years ago.
The former Georgetown center played 18 seasons for six teams, including stellar seasons with the Denver Nuggets.
Mutombo retired after the 2008-09 season armed with four top Defensive Player of the year awards, three All-NBA selections, and eight All-Star Games, among others.
ADAM SILVER LEADS NBA COMMUNITY IN PAYING TRIBUTE TO ‘MOUNT MUTOMBO’
Moreover, commissioner Adam Silver led the NBA family in paying tribute to the man also known as “Mount Mutombo.”
Furthermore, Silver described the 7-foot-2 center as “simply larger than life,” citing his admirable efforts as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador.
“He (Mutombo) was a humanitarian at his core. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” the NBA commissioner said.
“I had the privilege of traveling with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people,” he added.
Silver described Mutombo on the court as “one of the greatest” shot blockers and defensive players in league history.
EMBIID, GIANNIS TOW SEVERAL NBA STARS WHO LOOK UP TO MUTOMBO
Furthermore, recent Most Valuable Player winners Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounpo towed several current NBA stars who lauded Mutombo.
Moreover, Embiid sympathized with fellow Africans around the world with the passing of the Kinshasa native.
“He (Mutombo) is one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court but off the court,” the Philadelphia 76ers center said.
“He was always there to talk to me and advise me on how to approach the season and take care of my body and icing after games,” Antetokounmpo added.
During his retirement, Mutombo was known in basketball circles for developing the Basketball Africa League.
LEBRON SHARES ‘ELBOW MEMORY’ OF DIKEMBE IN EARLY CAVS YEARS
Furthermore, LeBron James shared his fondest memory of Mutombo when he was in his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Moreover, the 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar recalled getting hit by Mutombo in the elbow as he paid tribute to the retired center.
“He fractured my face on my birthday in Cleveland with an elbow. I never even got an opportunity to tell him about that,” James said.
“I went to the hospital that night, and I wore a mask for a little bit. That is my memory of Dikembe,” he added.
Former Nuggets coach Dan Issel, Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, and Sixers president Daryl Morey were other NBA personalities who paid tribute to Mutombo.
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