NBA Hall Of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dead At 58 After Brain Cancer Battle

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo one of the greatest defensive basketball players ever has died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 58 years old. NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement announcing Mutombo's passing saying, "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. 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 was an eight-time NBA All-Star and won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times. He played in the NBA from 1991-2009 for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets Mutombo dedicated his life to helping his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo creating his foundation in 1997. He opened a hospital and school through the charity and also served as the first Global Ambassador for the NBA "I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people," Silver continued. "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.

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