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    • Dikembe Mutombo’s death sparks an outpouring from the NBA world
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    Dikembe Mutombo’s death sparks an outpouring from the NBA world

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    Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri had already finished speaking to reporters for NBA media day and was coming back out when he heard about Dikembe Mutombo’s death Monday morning. But then he almost couldn’t finish what he wanted to say.

    “It’s really hard to believe, and it’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me,” Ujiri said, wiping tears from his eyes and pausing for a moment. ‘I’m sorry, it’s a difficult one. I have to say though, that guy made us, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

    The NBA lost a beloved figure when Mutombo, a Hall of Fame center and tireless humanitarian, died of brain cancer at age 58. The league announced the news as 28 of its teams began conducting media day interviews with reporters in their respective cities. So Mutombo’s memory became part of the conversation, along with all the other storylines that could unfold during the 2024-2025 NBA season.

    NBA MEDIA DAY 2024: Live updates, schedule and how to watch

    Known for his signature ‘Finger Wag’ celebration on blocks during matches and his efforts to improve the quality of life and health in his native Republic of Congo and now that the Special Olympics are taking place off the field, Mutombo has been praised for his competitive fire , his kindness and his influence on the growth of the sport in Africa.

    The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year finished his 18-season career ranked second all-time in blocks, playing for six teams (Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets). . His No. 55 jersey has been retired by both the Nuggets and Hawks.

    Mutombo was considered a global ambassador for the sport through the NBA.

    “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 NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

    “He was essentially a humanitarian,” Silver continued. “He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Congo and across the African continent. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and hearing firsthand seeing how his generosity and compassion have lifted people’s spirits. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag endearing him to basketball fans of every generation.

    In Philadelphia, where Mutombo played for the 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals, Daryl Morey talked about being a rookie general manager in Houston who went to Mutombo “all the time” as Mutombo was wrapping up his career with the Rockets playing behind Yao Ming. .

    ‘There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great person,” Morey said.

    Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler shared his thoughts via a team release: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing.”

    “I was fortunate enough to be able to call him a friend,” Ressler continued. “My family and I were extremely proud to have him represent the Hawks organization on and off the field. With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.”

    76ers star Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon, called it “a sad day, especially for us Africans and actually the whole world.”

    “Aside from what he accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better on the court,” Embiid said. “He is one of the guys I look up to because he not only has an impact on the field, but also off it. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model for me.”

    The NBA world is reacting to the death of Dikembe Mutombo

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