Ever heard about Dikembe Mutimbo, the veteran Basketball Hall of Famer? Well, read on to know what happened to the NBA legend.
What Happened To Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo?
Dikembe Mutombe, the legendary NBA centre known for his iconic finger-wagging celebration and humanitarian work, has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Mutombo, who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, was one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of the game. He played 18 seasons in the NBA, making 8 All-Star teams and winning 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Dikembe Mutombo Biography
Born on June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo had a great and bright future. Standing at a height of 7 feet 2 inches, his height was matched only by determination and work ethic. Mutombo’s journey to basketball began when he moved to the United States to attend Georgetown University on a USAID scholarship.
At Georgetown, Mutombo quickly made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. Under the guidance of legendary coach John Thompson, he developed his skills and became a good shot-blocker. His defensive prowess earned him the nickname “Mount Mutombo,” and he played a great role in leading the Hoyas to success in the NCAA tournament.
RECOMMENDED: What Is Breanna Stewart’s Height?
In 1991, Dikembe Mutombo was selected as the fourth overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. His impact was immediate, as he became one of the league’s premier defenders. Known for his signature finger-wagging gesture after blocking shots, Mutombo’s presence in the paint was a game-changer for the Nuggets.
Dikembe Mutombo Achievements
Throughout his successful career, Mutombo played for many NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and ranks second all-time in blocked shots. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Aside from his basketball achievements, Dikembe Mutombo was popular for his philanthropic efforts. He established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, with a mission to improve the health, education and quality of life for people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His foundation built the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named after his late mother, which provides much-needed healthcare services to thousands of people.
He was a global ambassador for the NBA and worked with various organisations, including the United Nations and UNICEF, to promote health and education initiatives worldwide. His commitment to making a difference earned him many awards and accolades, including the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
Conclusion
Dikembe Mutombo’s passing is a great loss for the basketball community and the world at large. His presence, both literally and figuratively, will be missed, but his legacy will endure.