He had played 20 seasons in the NBA: death of Dikembe Mutombo at 58, the former basketball player had brain cancer

Former Congolese basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, who played twenty seasons in the NBA, has died at the age of 58 from brain cancer. Geisler-Fotopress – Dennis Van Tine/Geisler-Fotopres

Former Congolese basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, who played twenty seasons in the NBA, has died at the age of 58 from brain cancer, the North American Basketball League announced on Monday.

A very tall center (2.18 m), he was an eight-time All-Star in the 1990s and 2000s, being especially recognized for his defensive qualities. He was elected four times defender of the year, also finishing three times best blocker and twice best rebounder.

He became known for his characteristic gesture of the finger when he blocked a shot, gesture that the NBA finally banned after deciding that it was a form of taunt. Born in Kinshasa and arriving in the United States at the age of 21, Mutombo played in two finals, in 2001 with the Philadelphia Sixers against the Lakers and in 2003 with the New Jersey Nets against San Antonio, but never won the title.

"Mount Mutombo"

“Mount Mutombo” wore the jersey of eight NBA franchises during a journey that began in 1991 in Denver and ended in Houston in 2009 at the age of 43. “It's a sad day, for the whole world and even more so for us Africans”, said center Joel Embiid, Philadelphia star and MVP in 2023. “He was one of my role models, for his impact on and off the court. He did a lot of good things, for a lot of people."

"A great man"

76ers manager Daryl Morey announced Mutombo's death in a visibly emotional preseason press conference, having worked alongside the former player in Houston. “I knew him personally (…) obviously there was his success on the field, no need to elaborate, but above all he was a great man, especially for his work in Africa.”

Involved in Africa

Away from the courts, Mutombo has been tirelessly involved in improving living conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his home country, through his personal foundation. These efforts, which included donating millions of dollars to help build a hospital on the outskirts of Kinshasa, earned him numerous humanitarian awards, including the President of the United States Volunteer Service Award.

“Helping Others”

“Dikembe Mutombo, on the court, was one of the greatest defenders and blockers in NBA history. Off the court, he devoted his heart and soul to helping others,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver honored in a statement, highlighting his humanitarian work.