NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Has Passed Away at Age 58

Dikembe Mutombo was an NBA Hall of Famer who started his professional career in 1991 with the Denver Nuggets and ended it in 2009 with the Houston Rockets. Unfortunately, he passed away on Monday at the age of 58 after fighting brain cancer for two years.

"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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."

Mutombo had an 18-year NBA career as a center, during which he played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks. He earned three All-NBA selections, participated in eight All-Star Games, and blocked a total of 3,289 shots, placing him second all-time behind Hakeem Olajuwon. He also ranks 20th in career rebounds.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has released the following statement, "“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. “I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends, and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him hack.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.