NEW YORK – NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today from brain cancer at the age of 58. He was surrounded by his family.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement:

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. From the floor up, 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 at heart. He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

“Dikembe’s indomitable spirit lives on in those 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 extend my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community that he truly loved and who loved him back.”

NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today from brain cancer at the age of 58. He was surrounded by his family.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ

— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024