Dikembe Mutombo, Hawks legend and Hall of Famer, dies at age 58

ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks and NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo has died at age 58 after a battle with brain cancer.

Back in 2022, Mutombo announced that he would be undergoing treatment in Atlanta.

Mutombo spent five seasons with the Hawks from 1996 to 2001. The 7 feet 2 inch Mutombo has the second most blocks in NBA history, trailing only Hakeem Olajuwon.

Known for his infamous finger-wagging after blocking shots, Mutombo made eight All-Star games and was named the Defensive Player of the Year four times in his career.

In addition to his success on the court, Mutombo was widely known as a humanitarian. Mutombo, born in the Congo, was known for helping grow the game in Africa.

Hawks owner Tony Ressler issued the following statement on Monday.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. Dikembe was a proud and honorable man, who lived up to the definition of a word that became synonymous with his name – humanitarian. He used his many gifts and his platform to improve the lives of everyone he encountered, especially in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and throughout Africa.

His passion for the game, its growth and the joy he brought to defense – including his undeniable presence and iconic ‘finger wag’ – made him a star on the court and with the fans around the globe.

I was fortunate to have been able to call him a friend. My family and I were beyond proud to have him represent the Hawks organization on and off the court. With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.

On behalf of the entire Hawks organization, our thoughts, prayers and support are with Rose and their family at this difficult time.”

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a news release on Monday. “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.

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Dikembe Mutombo SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Former NBA Player, Dikembe Mutombo attends the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) (Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)

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