ATLANTA — The world is reacting to the death of NBA great Dikembe Mutombo.
The Hall of Fame center died Monday from brain cancer, the NBA announced. He was 58.
Mutombo, a 7-foot-2 center from the Democratic Republic of Congo, played 18 seasons in the NBA. He was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner, 8-time all-star and three times made the All-NBA team.
Mutombo played with the Hawks from 1996-2001, making the All-Star team four times and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award twice. His No. 55 jersey is retired by the team.
Off the court, he was known for his humanitarian work.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's statement
“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.
“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. 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.
“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. 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.”
Atlanta Hawks
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of NBA legend & @ATLHawks Dikembe Mutombo. His impact on and off the court was immeasurable, from blocking shots to breaking barriers in global healthcare. His legacy of compassion and service will live on. Rest in power. #DikembeMutombo"
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
“Like many across the globe, my heart is heavy with the loss of Atlanta Hawks legend and humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with him and his wife Rose at their home last month and express the gratitude and pride Atlantans and millions worldwide held for such a truly good man. He is not just a Hall of Famer—he is irreplaceable. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Dikembe Mutombo's son Ryan Mutombo
Cindy McCain (widow of former Sen. John McCain)
Rapper Flavor Flav
Houston Rockets
Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri
Former NBA player Pau Gasol
Former NFL player and Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III
"Prayers up for the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of Dikembe Mutombo. The Hall of Fame Center passed away today at 58 years old due to brain cancer. His Iconic Finger Wag “No No No” is still used to this day. He will never be forgotten."
Former NFL player JJ Watt
Some shared their favorite memories of Mutombo, both on and off the basketball court.
Even CSPAN shared a memory of Dikembe from President George W. Bush's 2007 State of the Union.
Mutombo is survived by his wife, Rose, and their children.