Dikembe Mutombo, a Hall of Fame center and global ambassador for the NBA, has died of brain cancer at the age of 58, the league announced Monday. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mutombo was one of the most talented international-born players in NBA history. His 3,289 blocks rank second all-time in NBA history, and he was known for his signature finger-wagging celebration.

Mutombo played for six teams in his illustrious career: the Nuggets, Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. He had remarkable longevity, playing his age-42 season in Houston before eventually retiring and becoming an ambassador for the NBA in Africa. In 2022, it was first reported that he had a brain tumor.

His college career didn’t start until age 21, but he quickly rose to stardom at Georgetown under John Thompson. After three seasons with the Hoyas, the Denver Nuggets selected him No. 4 overall in the 1991 NBA Draft. He progressed to starting defensive end with the Nuggets and eventually the Atlanta Hawks. Between 1995 and 2021, Mutombo won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. He made eight All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams during his career. Only Hakeem Olajuwon has blocked more shots in NBA history.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” 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.

“There was no one better qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first global ambassador. He was a humanitarian through and through. He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the United States and throughout the African continent, I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion always made people accessible at NBA over the years. events – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger movement that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those he helped and inspired during 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;

Mutombo is one of the most influential African-born players in basketball history. His impact on the game is felt most strongly in the continent’s burgeoning basketball scene. More and more players are coming to the NBA from Africa, and a lot of that can be traced back to Mutombo.