Rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo.

A true legend of the game has passed away. One of the greatest centers of all time has passed away. Dealing with brain cancer for the past two years. Mutombo did not even spend his youthful days playing basketball. At the age of 16, because of his father, he decided to give basketball a shot. And it paid off big. Becoming a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest defenders ever.

Dikembe Mutombo moved to America for an education. He was studying to become a doctor. Then, legendary coach John Thompson recruited him to play basketball. The rest was history. Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning became one of the greatest frontcourts ever. He is one of the greatest shot blockers in basketball history. Mutombo finished his college years with a bachelor's in linguistics and diplomacy. Also, winning Big East Defensive Player of the Year twice. Then in 1991, he declared for the NBA draft.

In the 1991 draft, the Denver Nuggets picked Dikembe Mutombo as the fourth pick. The Denver Nuggets were a rebuilding team looking for a huge cornerstone. In 1992, he made his first All-Star team. In his rookie year, which made it even more impressive. Being one of the best rounders in the league and a shot blocker, in 1993 Mutombo led the Nuggets to the playoffs.

The Denver Nuggets were the eighth seed that year. Going up against the Supersonics duo of Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. In that series, the big man was able to make history. Beating the first seed in seven games. In the Western Semi-Finals, the Nuggets lost to the Jazz, led by John Stockton and Karl Malone, in seven games.

After that season, the Nuggets did not live up to the same success. Despite having two young stars in Mahmoud Abdul Rauf and Dikembe Mutombo. He won Defensive Player of the Year and earned himself another All-Star selection. Averaging 11 points per game, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks per game. Showing to be one of the best young talent and bigs in the league. Despite being in Denver for a short time, Mutombo is one of the greatest Nuggets players ever.

The Atlanta Hawks became Dikembe Mutombo's next team. After failing to reach a deal with the Denver Nuggets. Later on, the general Nuggets had come to regret. Once he landed in Atlanta, he was quick to make an impact. Dikembe, along with Steve Smith, was able to lead the Hawks to two 50-plus seasons. On top of that, he was able to win two Defensive Players of the Year awards. Adding more trophies to his shelf.

In the playoffs, it was tough for the Hawks. They always ended up underachieving. The first year beating the Pistons led by Grant Hill in five. Then, in the second round, he found himself losing to the Michael Jordan-led Bulls. The following season, Mutombo and the Hawks lost to the Hornets, led by Larry Johnson.

In his final season in 2000, Mutombo had a career-high of 14 rebounds a game. Along with 3.3 blocks. Making his value a lot higher in the trade market. Then the big trade takes place.

 In the 2001 trade deadline, the Sixers and Hawks made a huge trade. Dikembe Mutombo was now a Sixer. Pairing him next to a fellow Hoyas alumni, Allen Iverson. Though a short run, it was no less fun. Mutombo was able to win Defensive Player of the Year that season. Along with making it to the NBA Finals. Losing to Shaq and Kobe's Lakers in five games. Mutombo only played for a limited time but established himself to be a legend in Philadelphia.

 Mutombo was then traded to the New Jersey Nets. His health started to decline. The Nets believed he could be the key to their title hopes. Dikembe did not play much during his time there.

 Then the Hall of Famer decided to cross the bridge and go to New York. Having a short run in the organization. Ended a lot sooner as he was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Then in the 2004 off-season, the big man decided to go down South.

Dikembe Mutombo took his talent to Houston. Now being a backup big man to Yao Ming. The duo of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming were never healthy, which robbed the veteran of winning a title. In his stay in Houston, he became the oldest player in the league. And passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in all-time blocks. In 2009, he had a farewell tournament where he announced his retirement. After spending 18 years in the league. The legend was off to do better things.

 Dikembe Mutombo took part in humanitarian work post-basketball. He built hospitals in his country, Congo. He worked to eradicate polio in his nation. He built infrastructure in Africa to make basketball accessible. Also, building schools for the underprivileged. Mutombo became known as a person who takes care of his people. It made him a legend on and off the court.

 In 2015, they inducted Mutombo into the Hall of Fame. It was awesome to see him get his flowers for a long career. He made the All-Star Game eight times. He was on 3 All-NBA teams. He won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards and 6 All-Defensive Team honors. Both the Nuggets and Hawks celebrate Mutombo. One of the greatest centers the league has ever seen. Along with a cultural icon with the fingerwag. Mutombo 2 years ago got brain cancer. Which was the cost of death. A legend that was born on June 25, 1966, and passed away on September 30, 2024.

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