Former National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar Dikembe Mutombo is dead.
In a statement on X, the NBA said Mutombo, a Congolese-American basketball legend, passed away today, Monday, September 30, after battling brain cancer.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver described him as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA
“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others. There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador," said Silver.Mutombo played for 18 seasons in the NBA and retired from the sport in 2009.
He would then become renowned for his work in the humanitarian field, particularly with the Special Olympics.
