The NBA great has passed at the age of 58.
Dikembe Mutombo was quite literally a towering figure on and off the court — someone who is a much remembered for his many humanitarian efforts as for his exploits as a player. The Congolese-American has devoted his post-playing career to various areas of public service, and those effects of his service have been felt worldwide.
Today, on September 30, 2024, the world sadly heard news of Mutombo’s passing from an ongoing battle with brain cancer.
Mutombo played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1996 to 2001, and he was named an All-Star for every eligible season while playing for the Hawks (the 1999 All-Star Game wasn’t held due to the late resolution of that season’s player lockout). One of the greatest defensive players in NBA history, he hoisted four Defensive Player of the Year trophies to go along with holding the second overall place on the all-time NBA career blocks leaderboard with 3,289.
His impact on the Hawks franchise is especially evident as his number 55 jersey hangs in the rafters in State Farm Arena along with just four other players’ — those worn by Bob Pettit, Lou Hudson, Pete Maravich and Dominique Wilkins.
Many prominent Hawks’ players, media members and other affiliate people weighed in today expressing their gratitude for the player and person Mutombo was during his illustrious life.
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
In the midst of @ATLHawks Media Day, we are shocked and saddened over the news of Dikembe’s passing. RIP to my friend and teammate.
— Bob Rathbun (@BobRathbunTV) September 30, 2024
Trae Young opens up speaking about the passing of Dikembe Mutombo, sending condolences to his family.
“We lost a legend today, for sure” pic.twitter.com/6LAaWHS0tg
— Malik Brown (@_MalikATL) September 30, 2024
@WilliamsLaurenL ask Capela about what Dikembe Mutombo meant to him since they both have ties to the Congo
“ He meant so much, he’s from the Congo just like my mom and ever since I started basketball she would always tell me how he made the country so proud. When I got drafted… pic.twitter.com/q4VIAdh053
— Antwane Willis Jr. (@AntwaneWillisJr) September 30, 2024
“Rest in Peace Dikembe, he was a pioneer as far as the defensive end for sure”
News broke earlier this morning that NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has passed away.
Moments ago, I spoke with #Hawks forward Jalen Johnson about Mutombo’s impact on the game of basketball. #NBA pic.twitter.com/D7UM0UN4na
— Terrell Thomas (@Eldorado2452) September 30, 2024