Many NBA fans argue that the league’s best era was the 1990s. Fans loved the way the game was shaped during that time – the intense, physical, and aggressive style of play entertained viewers across the country. In fact, the viewership of NBA games in the 1990s was the highest it has ever been in the 77-year history of the NBA.
Although the 90s were dominated by one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan, many other stars were responsible for the NBA’s high viewership. Among them was Dikembe Mutombo, one of Jordan’s rivals and a must-watch player. Mutombo, standing at 7-foot-2, was a towering presence, both literally and figuratively. He was one of the most feared defensive players due to his shot-blocking ability. Even after Mutombo retired, he remained one of the most loved figures in the basketball community. He had helped many lives by serving as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. Mutombo’s generosity had a positive impact on many communities across the globe, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, his native country.
However, in 2022, his life dramatically changed when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Unfortunately, on September 30, 2024, after battling cancer for over two years, Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 56 in Atlanta, Georgia. His death not only affected his family but also deeply impacted the basketball community, who adored his work both on and off the court. Mutombo’s life and accomplishments positively influenced many people, changing their lives for the better. In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which concentrated on improving health, education, and quality of life for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On the court, Mutombo was an electrifying player who always seemed to produce multiple highlights in every game. He would block shots effortlessly and respond with his iconic celebration: the finger wag. During his 18 years in the NBA, Mutombo played for six teams: the Denver Nuggets, the Atlanta Hawks, the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Nets, the New York Knicks, and the Houston Rockets. Throughout his NBA career, Mutombo amassed many accolades: he won Defensive Player of the Year four times, earned eight All-Star selections and three All-NBA selections, ranked 20th in all-time rebounds, and most impressively, is second in all-time blocks with 3,289.
Dikembe Mutombo’s life, work, and accomplishments profoundly impacted many people, and his death has left a deep void in the basketball community. However, his legacy as an NBA legend and renowned humanitarian will continue to inspire those who follow the trail he blazed.
