NEW YORK – Dikembe Mutombo, a Congolese-American basketball legend and humanitarian, passed away at the age of 58. Standing at 7’2″, Mutombo was one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history, known for his shot-blocking prowess and signature finger wag after rejecting an opponent’s shot. Over an 18-season career, Mutombo played for teams including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets, winning four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and making eight All-Star appearances. His impact on the court was matched only by his work off it, particularly through his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which built a hospital in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and focused on improving healthcare and education in the region.

Mutombo was also deeply involved in humanitarian efforts around the world, working with organizations like the United Nations and Special Olympics, and advocating for global health causes. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and continued to be a beloved figure until his death due to brain cancer.