What they're saying: Basketball reacts to Dikembe Mutombo's death

What they're saying

How the basketball community reacted to the death of Nuggets all-timer Dikembe Mutombo:

"You gave everything you had to the game, but more importantly to your people. Your legacy lives on. Rest in power, Dikembe."

—Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) on X

"My dad will forever be my hero. Not because of his success — not because of the millions who, over the last four decades, have come to know and love him. My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known. At times, I thought of my dad as a super-human. The child in me would sigh to hear that this was never actually the case.”

—Ryan Mutombo, his son, on Instagram (@ryanmutombo)

"You talk about a big heart and how much he gave back to his country, building hospitals. He was an ambassador to the game, a global icon. If you go down into my office I have three pictures up. One of the pictures in my office is Dikembe Mutombo, as an 8 seed, beating Seattle, the 1 seed, laying on the floor with the ball in his hands and that beautiful smile. We lost a legend. We lost a former Denver Nugget. My thoughts and prayers are obviously with all of his family and friends.”

—Michael Malone, Nuggets coach

"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 court, he poured his heart and soul into helping others."

—NBA commissioner Adam Silver

"I just read the news about Dikembe Mutombo. It's really hard to believe. ... You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me."

—Masai Ujiri, Toronto Raptors CEO and former Nuggets general manager to reporters

"You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions. You are an NBA legend and an African icon that will inspire the many coming generations. Rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo."

—Serge Ibaka, Republic of the Congo native and longtime NBA standout, on X (@sergeibaka)

"I would see him all the time in the gym. Every time I would see him ... your workout was done. Because the moment you saw him ... you ain't doing no more workout, because he's going to talk to you for a good 30-45 minutes and ruin your workout."

—Broncos great Shannon Sharpe on ESPN

"He was a role model of mine. It's a sad day."

—Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid to reporters

"Sending our deepest condolences to the Mutombo family. Dikembe's legacy will live on forever."

—Georgetown University athletics

"Dikembe is one of the most unique and beloved players to ever step foot on a basketball court. The work and efforts he put in off the court to give back to his home country, Africa and the NBA cities that loved him was just as extraordinary."

—Denver Nuggets

"The world and the NBA family has lost a great man in Dikembe Mutombo. Known more for his defensive prowess on NBA courts than what really made him special. He was one of the greatest humanitarians that I know of."

—Alex English, Nuggets great

"No, no, no."

—Dikembe Mutombo, wagging a finger after blocking another shot.