Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Renowned for his defensive prowess, the 7-foot-2 center blocked over 3,200 shots during his career, ranking him second all-time in the NBA. Mutombo was famous for his signature finger wag, a gesture that became iconic in the sport.
Beyond his achievements on the court, Mutombo was a dedicated humanitarian and scholar, fluent in nine languages. He served as the NBA's first global ambassador, focusing on philanthropic efforts in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and throughout Africa. Mutombo often expressed that his humanitarian work was more significant to him than his basketball career, highlighting the struggles faced by his people and advocating for greater global support.
His legacy extends beyond basketball, as he leaves behind a profound impact on both the sport and the communities he tirelessly worked to uplift.