Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo died Monday from brain cancer, the NBA announced. He was 58.
Mutombo, who was drafted out of Georgetown by the Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft, became a beloved figure in the Mile High City during his five-year run in Denver. The 7-foot-2 center was the defensive stalwart for the young upstart Denver team. During the 1994 playoffs, he helped the No. 8-seeded Nuggets upset the No. 1 SuperSonics in Game 5 of the first round — the image of him gripping the basketball with both hands on the floor in Seattle has become one of Denver’s sports’ most iconic images.
He was just as strong a presence off the court. Among his long list of accomplishments, he was a global ambassador for the NBA and a humanitarian who built hospitals and schools in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here’s a look at what the world of sports had to say about Mutombo:
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 30, 2024
Dikembe’s off-court accomplishments were probably more impressive than what he accomplished on the floor.
A legend in every sense of the word. And he loved, loved Denver. pic.twitter.com/53AQ4dA0RD
— Mike Singer (@msinger) September 30, 2024
Prayers up for the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Dikembe Mutombo. The Hall of Fame Center passed away today at 58 years old due to brain cancer. His Iconic Finger Wag “No No No” is still used to this day. He will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/bhm5AFoHcu
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 30, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing.
Dikembe was a proud and honorable man, who lived up to the definition of a word that became synonymous with his name – humanitarian. He used his many gifts and his platform to improve the lives of everyone he… pic.twitter.com/zsLS4AihJ4
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) September 30, 2024
Today we mourn the loss of @nuggets legend and Hall of Fame Center, Dikembe Mutombo, will be remembered for his dominance on the court and generosity in the community.
Mutombo was first to have his number retired at the Pepsi Center and his iconic finger wag “No No No” is still… pic.twitter.com/MhzcpmvlL5
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) September 30, 2024
I had the pleasure of spending time with Dikembe Mutombo on a show on The Denver Post’s website. It was one of my favorite days.
This man literally built a hospital for people in his home land.
He was a larger-than-life center … and a larger-than-life human and humanitarian.
RIP pic.twitter.com/ru9CWnMAHX
— Benjamin Hochman (@hochman) September 30, 2024
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at 58 years old due to brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/taDWSFeCQE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 30, 2024
Today we mourn the loss of a true ambassador of our game, Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo. Dikembe spent 18 seasons in the NBA, including his final five as a Houston Rocket. His fun-loving personality and trademark finger-wagging endeared him to fans around the world, but Dikembe’s… pic.twitter.com/BfmKNGLGi3
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 30, 2024
NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/fkFPaiMVD3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 30, 2024
I was very sad to hear about Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be… pic.twitter.com/KZaOSAXVGE
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 30, 2024
This was one of my first games of my first season with the Nuggets.
It was a privilege to be around Dikembe Mutombo and to see the impact he made on and off the floor in Denver and beyond. A special soul that will be missed greatly.
The world was better with him in it. pic.twitter.com/EHJngTYTpv
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) September 30, 2024
.@stephenasmith remembers Dikembe Mutombo
“No matter what you know about him as a basketball player, he was an even better human being. … One of the most beautiful, beautiful human beings I’ve ever known.” pic.twitter.com/kkofBF3wAI
— First Take (@FirstTake) September 30, 2024
Daryl Morey got emotional as he talked about Dikembe Mutombo. He found out about Mutombo’s death during the press conference. They had a close relationship, he said, from their time in Houston.
“Just a great human being,” Morey said. pic.twitter.com/0RHR0bIY0A
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) September 30, 2024
You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions. You are an @NBA legend and an African icon and that will inspire the many coming generations. Rest In Peace Dikembe Mutombo. @NBA_Africa pic.twitter.com/gMpWlonmis
— Serge Ibaka (@sergeibaka) September 30, 2024
Related Articles
PHOTOS: Dikembe Mutombo’s NBA career in Denver and beyond
Dikembe Mutombo, Hall of Fame NBA player who swatted shots for Nuggets, dies at 58 from brain cancer
There will never be another quite like Dikembe Mutombo @malika_andrews on the enduring legacy of one of the NBA’s finest humanitarians. pic.twitter.com/Kmy8KLbWsl
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 30, 2024
Rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. pic.twitter.com/d8DuAhQLlS
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) September 30, 2024
Rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo. pic.twitter.com/d8DuAhQLlS
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) September 30, 2024
Want more Nuggets news? Sign up for the Nuggets Insider to get all our NBA analysis.