NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo Dies at 58

NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has died from brain cancer at the age of 58.

The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, spent 18 years playing in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

Dikembe Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor in October 2022.

Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, DR Congo-born center Dikembe Mutombo was discovered while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft.

He twice reached the NBA Finals, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.

Known for his defensive game, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for a record three consecutive seasons.

Following his retirement both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Dikembe Mutombo was a global ambassador for the NBA and carried out humanitarian work in his home country.

Among those to pay tribute were the Houston Rockets, where Dikembe Mutombo spent the last five years of his playing career.

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta added: “Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Rose, and their children.”