NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58 after brain cancer battle

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

NBA legend and Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58 (AFP via Getty Images)

NBA legend and Hall of Fame center Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58, following a battle with brain cancer, the league announced Monday.

“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.”

Silver called Mutombo “a humanitarian at his core,” saying 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,” Silver’s statement went on. “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.”

Mutombo leaves behind a wife, Rose, and seven children, four of whom the couple adopted.