“‘Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,’ NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. ‘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.’
‘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.’
Following his playing career, [Mutombo] worked extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes. He served as an ambassador for the sport, particularly in the development of the Basketball Africa League, which completed its second season in 2022.
Mutombo spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, concentrating on improving health, education and quality of life for the people in the Congo. His foundation led the building of a 170-bed hospital in Kinshasa, the capital city, and that facility has treated nearly a half-million people regardless of their ability to pay for care.
He also had served on the boards of many organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.”
pattyswag21
I loved watching this man play when I was a teenager. He was great human and basketball player I will miss him.
Calm-Veterinarian723
Fucking heartbreaking…
He always seemed like such a good person and deserved more time on this earth.
DidntDiddydoit
☝️☝️☝️❤️
quitealistener
Same age as Dikembe. This is devastating for someone who should have had more time with us. So sorry to see him pass. Enjoyed watching him play and rep the Hawks.
7 Comments
God damn.
So sad. What a legend. Rest in peace big man
From the [ESPN tribute:](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41530918/hall-famer-dikembe-mutombo-dies-brain-cancer-age-58)
“‘Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,’ NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. ‘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.’
‘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.’
Following his playing career, [Mutombo] worked extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes. He served as an ambassador for the sport, particularly in the development of the Basketball Africa League, which completed its second season in 2022.
Mutombo spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, concentrating on improving health, education and quality of life for the people in the Congo. His foundation led the building of a 170-bed hospital in Kinshasa, the capital city, and that facility has treated nearly a half-million people regardless of their ability to pay for care.
He also had served on the boards of many organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.”
I loved watching this man play when I was a teenager. He was great human and basketball player I will miss him.
Fucking heartbreaking…
He always seemed like such a good person and deserved more time on this earth.
☝️☝️☝️❤️
Same age as Dikembe. This is devastating for someone who should have had more time with us. So sorry to see him pass. Enjoyed watching him play and rep the Hawks.