(DailyAnswer.org) – Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer and famous for his finger-wagging gesture after blocking shots, passed away at the age of 58, the NBA announced Monday. Mutombo had been fighting brain cancer.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared his thoughts on Mutombo, calling him “larger than life.” He praised Mutombo’s skills on the basketball court, describing him as one of the best shot blockers and defenders in NBA history. Silver also talked about how much Mutombo cared about helping people, especially through his charity work in his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and across Africa.
Silver added that Mutombo’s spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired. He expressed his personal sorrow, saying that Mutombo’s big heart touched many lives. Silver offered his deepest condolences to Mutombo’s family and the global basketball community.
Mutombo first made a name for himself playing college basketball at Georgetown University. There, he took over as the center after Patrick Ewing left for the NBA. In one game, Mutombo blocked an incredible 12 shots. He was twice named Big East Defensive Player of the Year and shared the title with teammate Alonzo Mourning in 1991.
The Denver Nuggets picked Mutombo with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. As a 7-foot-2 center, his defensive game only improved over time. He became known for wagging his finger after blocking shots, a move that became his signature throughout his career.
One of Mutombo’s most memorable moments came in the 1994 NBA playoffs. His Nuggets, an eighth-seed team, upset the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics. After the victory, Mutombo collapsed to the floor, holding the basketball above his head in an emotional celebration.
Mutombo continued his career with several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. He played in the NBA until the 2008-09 season.
By the time he retired, Mutombo was an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He finished his career second in total blocked shots with 3,289.
Copyright 2024, DailyAnswer.org
