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The death of Dikembe Mutombo sparks outrage in the NBA world

Posted on by Vanessa
The death of Dikembe Mutombo sparks outrage in the NBA world

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Toronto Raptors president Masi Ujiri had already finished speaking to reporters for NBA media day and was returning when he learned of Dikembe Mutombo's death Monday morning. But then he almost couldn't finish what he wanted to say.

“It's really hard to believe and we're having a hard time coping without this guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me,” Ujiri said, wiping tears from his eyes and pausing for a few moments. “I'm sorry, it's a difficult question. I have to say though, this guy made us who we are. This guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

The NBA lost a beloved figure when Mutombo, a Hall of Fame center and tireless humanitarian, died of brain cancer at age 58. The league announced the news as 28 of its teams began conducting interviews with reporters in their respective cities on media day. So Mutombo's memory became part of the conversation, along with any other storylines that could play out during the 2024-25 NBA season.

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Mutombo is known for his signature “Finger Wag” celebration on the blocks during games and his off-field efforts to improve the quality of life and health in his home Republic of Congo and at the Special Olympics. Mutombo was celebrated for his competitive fire and kindness and his influence on the growth of the sport in Africa.

The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year finished his 18-year career second all-time in blocks and played for six teams (Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets). . His number 55 jersey will be retired by both the Nuggets and Hawks.

Mutombo was considered a global ambassador for the sport in the NBA.

“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 NBA history. Off the field, he put his heart and soul into helping others.”

“He was a humanitarian at his core,” Silver continued. “He loved the positive impact the game of basketball can have on communities, particularly in his home Republic of Congo and throughout the African continent. “I've had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how he's doing.” His generosity and compassion have always made people approachable at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, his deep, booming voice and his signature finger wag that has endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.

In Philadelphia, where Mutombo played for the 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals, Daryl Morey talked about how he was a rookie general manager in Houston who went to Mutombo “all the time” when Mutombo was finishing his career with the Rockets, who played behind Yao Ming.

“There aren't many people like him. Just a great person,” Morey said.

Cameroon-born 76ers star Joel Embiid called it “a sad day, especially for us Africans and actually the whole world.”

“Aside from what he accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court,” Embiid said. “He’s one of the guys I look up to when it comes to making an impact not just on the pitch but off the pitch too. He did a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model for me.”

The NBA world reacts to Dikembe Mutombo's pass

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