NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dead at 58

Dikembe Mutombo, the legendary NBA Hall of Famer who spent nearly two decades in the league, has died at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer.

Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mutombo came to the U.S. in the 1980s for college and played basketball for Georgetown University. He was drafted to the Denver Nuggets in 1991 and spent five years there before joining the Atlanta Hawks from 1996 to 2001. He went on to play for the Philadelphia 76ers , New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks before retiring from the Houston Rockets in 2009.

Throughout his time in the league, he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and led the league in blocks for three seasons. His remarkable blocking skills earned him the nickname "Mount Mutombo."

In a statement following Mutombo's death, NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his sympathy on behalf of the league.

"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others," Silver said.

"There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa ," he continued. "I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing firsthand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years—with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation."

"Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe's big heart and I will miss him dearly," Silver concluded. "On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe's wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back."