Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri had already finished speaking to reporters for NBA media day and came back out when he learned about the death of Dikembe Mutombo on Monday morning. But then he almost couldn’t finish what he wanted to say.
“It’s really hard to believe, and it’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me,” said Ujiri, wiping tears from his eyes and pausing for several moments. “I’m sorry, it’s a tough one. I have to say, though, that guy, he made us, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”
The NBA lost a beloved figure when Mutombo, a Hall of Fame center and tireless humanitarian, died of brain cancer at 58 years old. The league announced the news right as 28 of its teams were beginning to hold media day interviews with reporters in their respective cities. So Mutombo’s memory became part of the conversation along with all the other storylines that could unfold during the 2024-25 NBA season.
Known for his trademark “Finger Wag” celebration on blocks during games and his efforts to improve the quality of life and health in his native Republic of the Congo and with the Special Olympics off the court, Mutombo was hailed for his competitive fire, his kindness and his influence in growing the sport in Africa.
The four-time NBA defensive player of the year finished his 18-season career ranked second all-time in blocks, and played for six teams (Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets). His No. 55 jersey is retired by both the Nuggets and Hawks.
Mutombo was considered a global ambassador for the sport through the NBA.
‘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 history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.’
‘He was a humanitarian at his core,’ Silver continued. ‘He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native 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.’
In Philadelphia, where Mutombo played for the 76ers in the NBA Finals in 2001, Daryl Morey spoke of being a rookie general manager in Houston who went to Mutombo “all the time” when Mutombo was wrapping up his career with the Rockets playing behind Yao Ming.
“There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being,” Morey said.
Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Tony Ressler shared his thoughts through a team release: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news of Dikembe Mutombo’s passing.’
‘I was fortunate to have been able to call him a friend,’ Ressler continued. ‘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.’
76ers star Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon, called it “a sad day, especially for us Africans and really the whole world.”
“Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court,” Embiid said. “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.”