NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dead at 58

The sports world was saddened on Monday to learn that one of the biggest personalities and true ambassadors of the NBA had passed away.

Dikembe Mutombo, who played for six different NBA teams, passed away at the age of 58.

According to reports, he died from brain cancer.

Sad Day

Mutombo had an unmistakable voice and a unique presence on the basketball court.

He was drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.

After playing five seasons with the Nuggets, he would spend five more with the Atlanta Hawks, then a season each with the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and New York Knicks, before closing out his career with five seasons with the Houston Rockets.

He was an eight-time NBA All-Star, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team, led the league in rebounds twice, in blocks three times, had his number retired by two different organizations (Atlanta and Denver), and was elected to the Hall of Fame.

Two years ago, it was revealed by his family that he was undergoing treatment for brain cancer, but the disease eventually got the best of him.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated, "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."

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid added, "It's a sad day, especially for us Africans -- and really the whole world -- because, other than what he's accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court.

"He's one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court but off the court. He's done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people, so he was a role model of mine. It's a sad day."

The man had an amazing spirit, which was evident in everything he did. He is the epitome of an athlete who knew he was blessed with talent and did everything he could to maximize that talent and pay it forward to others.

Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for everything you did while you were with us.