NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo tragically passed away at 58 years old from brain cancer

Dikembe Mutombo, basketball legend and enigmatic figure with larger-than-life stature on and off the courts, died at 58 after his battle with brain cancer. Standing 7'2" in height, his frame commanded respect in the sport for his near-twenty-year dominance in the NBA.

During his stellar 18-season career from 1991 through 2009, Mutombo had become the face of defense. He was second in the league's all-time blocked shots, having been an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, managing himself as one of the greatest defenders to have played the game. He was inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame because of his immense contributions. His jersey was retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. Other NBA teams he has played for include the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.

Off the court, Mutombo became an incredibly popular man with his philanthropy. Most notably, he was involved in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He had a foundation called the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation that worked to improve healthcare and living conditions in the Congo. Much of his work also extended beyond that, having been heavily involved with humanitarian global efforts, especially with the Special Olympics, to which he made great contributions toward improving the lives of all those with disabilities.

A naturalized U.S. citizen, Mutombo used his fluency in seven languages to support many causes. Among the many boards he served on were the CDC Foundation, UNICEF USA, and Special Olympics International. His international outreach and commitment to service were as passionate and intense as his game face had been.

In addition to his professional and philanthropic achievements, Dikembe Mutombo was known for a playful spirit that often could not resist teasing opponents with his signature finger wag after blocking a shot. He is survived by his wife Rose and their seven children, four of whom were adopted. Mutombo leaves a legacy extending beyond the realm of basketball and will be remembered just as much for his generosity and commitment to others as he will for his legendary career.