Congo-born 'NBA Legend' Mutombo Dies from Brain Tumor

Mutombo during his lifetime as an NBA ambassador [Photo by Mutombo official account]

NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has passed away from a brain tumor, according to U.S. media reports on the 1st. He was 58 years old.

Standing 2.18m tall and hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mutombo was selected while attending Georgetown University and was drafted 4th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. Known for his warm personality and iconic finger-wagging celebration, he was beloved by fans. He was selected as an NBA All-Star 8 times until his retirement in 2009. Throughout his 18-year career, he played for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. After his retirement, both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his jersey number 55, and in 2015, he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Mutombo was diagnosed with a brain tumor in October 2022.

Mutombo served as a global ambassador for the NBA and engaged in humanitarian work in his home country. The teams he played for honored his achievements on the court and his efforts for Africa off the court, expressing their condolences with "Rest in peace."

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