FORMER NBA star Dikembe Mutombo has died aged 58 from brain cancer.
The player, who made eight NBA All Star appearances and retired in 2009, spent 18 seasons playing in the United States (US) basketball league with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
Mutombo began undergoing brain cancer treatment in October 2022.
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“Dikembe Mutombo is an extraordinary person,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“On the court, he was the greatest defender and blocker in NBA history. Off the court, he worked hard to help others,” he continued.
With a height of 2.18 meters, the Congo-born center discovered his talent while studying at Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets as fourth in the 1991 NBA draft.
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His warm personality and his index finger waggling celebrations made him a favorite among NBA fans.
Mutombo reached the NBA Finals twice, first with the Sixers in 2001 and then with the Nets two years later.
Known for his defensive abilities, Mutombo led the NBA in blocks for 5 consecutive seasons and in blocks per game for 3 consecutive seasons.
After Mutombo decided to retire, the Hawks and Nuggets retired his jersey number 55.
In 2015, Mutombo was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. (bbc/Z-1)
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