NEW YORK: The NBA has announced that on September 30, Dikembe Mutombo, the esteemed Hall of Famer, passed away at the age of 58 from brain cancer.

Mutombo, who stood at an impressive seven feet two inches, was celebrated for his shot-blocking abilities and defensive skills, earning him eight NBA All-Star titles and four defensive player of the year accolades.

“Dikembe Mutombo was a monumental presence in basketball. On the court, he was one of the finest shot-blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he devoted himself to philanthropy,” remarked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

His charismatic personality, along with his signature finger-wagging celebration, made him a fan favorite during his 18-season career with six teams, where he averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. He appeared in the NBA Finals twice.

After retiring in 2009, Mutombo took on the role of the NBA’s first global ambassador, significantly contributing to the sport’s growth in Africa.

“He loved how basketball could create a positive impact in communities, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent,” Silver emphasized.