Dikembe Mutombo wasn't just one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history. He also inspired many of his countrymen, including 2023 league MVP Joel Embiid .
A native of Congo, the 7-foot-2 center was an eight-time All-Star and established himself as a defensive force during the 1990s and the early 2000s, winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Mutombo, though, recently passed away at the age of 58 due to brain cancer. During the Philadelphia 76ers' media day, "The Process" tried to process the loss of a basketball pioneer in Africa who impacted the lives of hoopers and the needy alike.
Even better off the court
Embiid was born in Cameroon, so he learned of the legend of "Mount Mutombo" as a child. As he continued on his basketball journey to Florida in high school and Kansas for college before getting selected as the third pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Deke remained an inspiration for him. So it's no surprise how shaken Joel was when he learned of Dikembe's passing.
"It's a sad day, especially for us Africans and really the whole world, because, you know, other than what he accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court," the eight-year pro declared at the podium.
Mutombo was a stellar basketball player, making eight All-Star appearances and earning berths on the All-NBA team thrice. Deke also won the league's rebounding title twice and the blocks crown three times in his career.
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A true-blue man for the people
As stingy as Mutombo was on the floor, regularly denying opposing players who made their way into the lane, he was incredibly generous with his time and resources. He founded the 'Dikembe Mutombo Foundation' in 1997 to help his compatriots in Congo. Deke was also an active participant in the Basketball Without Borders program, which aimed to promote the game and social responsibility in developing countries. Additionally, the big man was a passionate supporter of the Special Olympics, serving as its global ambassador.
"You know, he's one of the guys that I looked up to as far as having an impact not just on the court but off the court. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. So, I mean, that's... you know, he was a role model of mine," Embiid stated.
Dikembe was arguably one of the best big men of his era, but there's no denying he was a true champion when it came to his heart and compassion for the people. Mutombo's legacy continues to inspire, and his impact on the world will always be remembered.
Related: "You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me" – Masai Ujiri gets emotional after learning of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing
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