Dikembe Mutombo, a towering NBA Hall of Famer who was renowned for his defensive dominance and finger-wagging celebrations, has died from brain cancer, the NBA said in a statement on Monday. He was 58.

Mutombo, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2022, was surrounded by his family, the NBA said.

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

Mutombo was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving to the United States and playing college basketball at Georgetown University. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the fourth pick in the 1991 draft, the seven-foot, two-inch center played with six NBA teams throughout his 18-year career and was an eight-time NBA All-Star. 

In 2015, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

As CBS Sports noted, his 3,289 blocks rank second all-time in NBA history, and he was known for his signature finger wag celebration. Only Hakeem Olajuwon has blocked more shots in NBA history. In addition to the Nuggets, he played for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets. 

Mutombo is one of three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. 

He is perhaps most remembered for his dominant defensive performance in the 1994 playoffs, when he helped lead the Nuggets to a massive upset over the Seattle Supersonics — the first No. 8 seed to ever beat a No. 1 seed.  Mutombo blocked an NBA-record 31 shots in the series and the Sonics head coach acknowledged that the center had psychologically intimated his team.

“He got in our players’ heads at the very beginning and never left,” Seattle coach George Karl said. 

Beyond basketball, Mutombo started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in the Congo in 1997. Its goal is to improve health, education and quality of life in the African country. He also serves on the board of Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Daryl Morey, 76ers president of basketball operations, said Monday that Mutombo was “very important” to the franchise.

“There aren’t many guys like him,” Morey said. “… Just an amazing human being what he did off the court for Africa.”

76ers center Joel Embiid, who grew up in Cameroon, also expressed his condolences Monday.

“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans and really the whole world, because other than what he has accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court,” Embiid said. “Those are some of the guys — he’s one of the guys that I look up to as far as having an impact, not just on the court but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine.”

Mutombo spent the latter part of his life as an ambassador for the NBA.

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “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. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand 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.”  

Other reactions to Dikembe Mutombo’s death

“He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real. Dikembe Mutombo was salt and light, and today, on the 30th of September, 2024, he has been called to rest. I love you, Dad. Rest easy.” – Ryan Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo’s son.

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“I am deeply saddened to hear about Dikembe’s passing. He was a defensive force on the court who changed the way the game of basketball is played. But more importantly, Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa. I will especially miss hearing his booming laugh. My condolences to his wife, Rose, his children and his family.” – Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

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“Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.” – Basketball Hall of Famer Pau Gasol.

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“It’s really hard to believe and it’s hard for us to be without that guy.” – Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.

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“I was fortunate to have been able to call him a friend. My family and I were beyond proud to have him represent the Hawks organization on and off the court. With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.” – Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler.

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“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 and that will inspire the many coming generations.” – Former NBA player Serge Ibaka.

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“Georgetown lost one of its best in Dikembe Mutombo. Basketball fans remember him for his defense, rebounding and that trademark finger wag, but to those of us that knew him well, we will miss the father, teammate, mentor and friend. Dikembe left his mark on the Georgetown community in so many ways, but he will be best remembered for his unique gift of leveraging his platform as a Hall of Fame basketball player to maximize his global impact as a humanitarian.” – Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed.

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“Doing the thing’s he’s done – did – it’s tough for everybody. It’s tough for the world. Being a fan of his, and then having an opportunity to play with him, gives me a different perspective as a friend of his. Tough day. but he’s going to be watching over us.” – 76ers guard Kyle Lowry.

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“I knew him as a true humanitarian. … I will love and miss him terribly.” – Cindy McCain, the widow of late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.