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SCMP Sport

Barack Obama and Michael Jordan led the tributes to Dikembe Mutombo following news of the NBA Hall of Famer’s death on Monday.
Mutombo, a Congolese centre who was selected as an NBA All-Star eight times, died at the age of 58 from brain cancer.
Beloved by fans, he was known for using his tremendous 7-foot 2-inch (2.2-metre) frame to become one of the league’s most fearsome shot-blockers and earned defensive player of the year honours four times.
“Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time,” former United States president Obama posted on X.
“But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court.

Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time. But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 30, 2024

“Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Mutombo’s gregarious personality – with a trademark finger-wag celebration – made him a fan favourite as he played 18 seasons with six teams in the league, averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
“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 the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”
Mutombo reached the NBA Finals twice, with the Philadelphia 76ers and the then-New Jersey Nets, who later relocated to Brooklyn.
After retiring in 2009, he became the NBA’s first global ambassador and helped promote the sport in Africa.
“He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa,” Silver added.
“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.”

Today a legend has passed away. Dikembe Mutombo was a legend of the game in the NBA and a legend of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has inspired and given hope to an entire generation of young Congolese people all over the world. We grew up watching the NBA, because of him.… pic.twitter.com/crgsnIhhie
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) September 30, 2024

Mutombo’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, teams and current and retired players across the NBA.
Fellow Hall of Famer Jordan said Mutombo “changed the world” through his humanitarian work.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about Dikembe’s passing,” Jordan said. “He was a defensive force on the court who changed the way the game of basketball is played.
“But more importantly, Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa. I will especially miss hearing his booming laugh.
“My condolences to his wife, Rose, his children and his family.”
Magic Johnson, also a Hall of Famer wrote on X: “I’m so heartbroken to hear about the passing of my dear friend.
“He was not only a great basketball player who could protect the rim as an elite shot-blocker, but also an incredible man with a pure heart of gold.”
The Denver Nuggets, who took Mutombo in the first round of the 1991 draft, said in a statement they were “heartbroken” by his death.
“Dikembe is one of the most unique and beloved players to ever step foot on a basketball court,” the team wrote.
Information from Reuters was used in this report


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Barack Obama, Michael Jordan lead tributes after death of NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo

Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, the NBA’s first global ambassador, has passed away at the age of 58 through brain cancer. Photo: TNS

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Sport

Basketball

Fellow Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said the Congolese icon ‘changed the world’ through his humanitarian work in Africa


Fellow Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said the Congolese icon ‘changed the world’ through his humanitarian work in Africa.
