The basketball legend earned recognition as one of the best defenders ever. One of the NBA's first African stars, he devoted much time and money to his native Democratic Republic of Congo after retirement.

A beloved figure with a great NBA lore has passed away

Mutombo was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “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.”Mutombo was distinctive in so many ways — the playful finger wag at opponents after blocking their shots, his height, his deep and gravelly voice, his massive smile. Players of this generation were always drawn to him and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, looked to Mutombo as an inspiration.“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said Monday. “Other…

Mutombo spent 18 seasons in NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and then-New Jersey Nets

The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, four-time defensive player of the year, three-time All-NBA selection and went into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Dikembe Mutombo, one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a global ambassador for the game, died after a battle with brain cancer, the league announced.

Dikembo Mutombo, one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history and a Hall of Famer, died Monday d...