Congolese-American basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, has died of brain cancer, according to the league.

Mutombo, who was 58 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago. Since then he has been treated in Atlanta, USA.

“My dad is my hero because he just cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known,” his son, Ryan Mutombo, wrote on social media.

Almost twenty years at the top

Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA, during which he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

During his career, he played for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets, averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

His height of 2.18 meters helped him become one of the best shot blockers in the league. By the end of his career, he had blocked 3,289 shots, which placed him second all-time in the NBA rankings.

His gesture of wagging his index finger after blocking an opponent’s shot and often telling him “not in my house” remained his trademark long after his retirement.

His incredible career saw him inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

A life dedicated to basketball and humanitarian work

Mutombo retired in 2009 to focus on his personal foundation, which worked to improve the health, education and quality of life of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

One of his most notable projects was the construction of a hospital in his home country, for which he was honored with the US President’s Volunteer Service Award.

He also became the NBA’s first global ambassador and served on the boards of Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the US Fund for UNICEF.

The NBA community is flooding social media with condolences

News of his death sparked numerous comments and messages from NBA players and staffers.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. 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,” said NBA- Commissioner Adam. Silver.

“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and actually for the whole world. Apart from what he achieved on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He is one of the guys I look forward to look up, in that regard.” because he has an impact not only on the field, but also off it. He’s done a lot of great things,” Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid said.

76ers president Daryl Morey, who played with Mutombo in Houston, was also shocked by the news.

“There’s not a lot of guys like him. Just a great human being. When I was a rookie general manager in this league, my first opportunity in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time,” Morey said.

“He was always there to talk to me and advise me on how to approach the season and take care of my body, and after games and stretch and try different things like yoga,” Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said .