NBA legend Mutombo dies from brain cancer aged 58

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died from encephalon crab astatine nan property of 58.

The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired successful 2009, spent 18 years playing successful nan convention for nan Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

Mutombo began curen for a encephalon tumour successful October 2022.

"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

"On nan tribunal he was 1 of nan top changeable blockers and protect players successful nan history of nan NBA. Off nan floor, he poured his bosom and psyche into helping others."

Standing 7ft 2in (2.18m) tall, DR Congo-born centre Mutombo was discovered while studying astatine Georgetown University and was selected by nan Nuggets pinch nan 4th wide prime successful nan 1991 NBA Draft.

His lukewarm characteristic and trademark finger-wagging ceremony made him a instrumentality favourite.

He doubly reached nan NBA Finals, first for nan 76ers successful 2001 and past nan Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) 2 years later.

Known for his protect game, he led nan NBA successful blocked shots for 5 consecutive seasons and blocks per crippled for a grounds 3 consecutive seasons.

Following his status some nan Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 shirt, and successful 2015 he was inducted into nan NBA Hall of Fame.

Mutombo was a world ambassador for nan NBA and carried retired humanitarian activity successful his location country.

"He loved what nan crippled of hoops could do to make a affirmative effect connected communities, particularly successful his autochthonal Democratic Republic of nan Congo and crossed nan continent of Africa," Silver added.

"He was ever accessible astatine NBA events complete nan years - pinch his infectious smile, heavy booming sound and signature digit wag that endeared him to hoops fans of each generation."