Colorado community reacts to NBA Hall of Famer, former Denver Nuggets star Dikembe Mutombo's death
Former Denver Nuggets star and NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died after a battle with brain cancer. Mutombo died Monday. He was 58 years old.
Mutombo announced that he was undergoing treatment after cancer diagnosis nearly two years ago. Mutombo was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Mutombo was taken fourth overall by the Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft. The 7-foot-2 center attended Georgetown University and immediately made an impact, making the league's All-Rookie Team that year.
Mutombo spent five years playing in Denver (91-96), most notably helping the Nuggets become the first No.8 seed to upset a No.1 when the team defeated the Seattle Supersonics during the 1993-94 playoffs. Video of Mutombo lying on the court and clutching the ball in joy became an iconic image of the moment.
The Denver Nuggets posted a heartfelt message on X that read in part, "Dikembe came into his own as a Nuggest draft pick and one of the most memorable moments in our franchise's history will forever be tied to Mount Mutombo and the image of him crying tears of joy after upsetting the number one seeded Seattle Supersonics in 1994.
Among those torn apart by the loss is former Nuggets general manager and executive vice president in charge of basketball operations, Masai Ujiri, the first NBA general manager born in Africa.
"He did so much for us, for the continent of Africa. For his people," said a tearful Ujiri, who is currently president of the Toronto Raptors.
"You cannot even imagine what that guy has done for me in my career. He took me by the ways in Denver and made me grow as a person and now he's gone," he sobbed.
"I went to Dikembe Mutombo's hometown with him. I went to his hospital. You have no idea what that guy means to the world," said Ujiri.
He added there was, "nobody that Mutombo did not touch. Everything you see as big as he is, his heart was bigger."
Former Denver Bronco Shannon Sharpe, who played in Denver at the same time, reacted to Mutombo's passing with an interesting memory.
Former Nuggets player and coach Bill Hanzlik was with the Atlanta Hawks when they traded for Mutombo, ending his days in Denver.
"That's when we stole as I would. I say, we stole the Dikembe Mutombo," said Hanzlik. Mutombo was clearly one of the greatest defensive players of all time. His trademark finger wag upon blocking shots may have seemed showy, but it was more a demonstration of his spirit, said Hanzlik.
"It wasn't ego, but it was about winning," he continued. "There are few guys that I've coached or played with, maybe half dozen, doesn't. That were as competitive as he was."
Hanzlik recalled how Mutombo, who attended Georgetown University, where he went to study medicine before he was drafted by Denver, was brilliant and fluent in a half dozen or more languages. He recalled one long flight from Atlanta to Portland.
"I sat next to Dikembe and talked to him. What a fascinating, interesting caring man he was along with a great basketball player," Hanzlik said.
His altruism showed during his basketball career and flourished upon its completion.
"He had built that up, and he know knew what he wanted to do, and the people he wanted to help, particularly in Africa and the hospital he helped build," Hanzlik said.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston posted on X how much Dikembe Mutombo meant to the Mile High City, saying his "actions spoke volumes on and off the court."
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also took to Twitter to honor Mutombo, who Polis said, "will be remembered for his dominance on the court and generosity in the community."
"Mutombo was first to have his number retired at the Pepsi Center and his iconic finger wag "No No No" is still used to this day," Polis continued. "After his career in basketball, he dedicated his life to giving back. He will never be forgotten."
Mutombo went on to play with the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets before retiring at the end of the 2008-9 season.
Mutombo blocked 3,289 shots over his NBA career and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Twice during his career, Mutombo was recognized by the league with the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, an honor bestowed to players, coaches or trainers who show outstanding service and dedication to the community.
Mutombo's No.55 jersey still hangs from the rafters of Ball Arena where it was unveiled in 2016.
Mutombo became known for his contributions to his native people and country in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Last year, Mutombo and several other former NBA players joined high-profile investors to launch "NBA Africa." He also started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in the Congo in 1997. Its goal is to improve health, education and quality of life in the African country.
He also served on the board of Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, according to the Associated Press.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement:
"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.
"Unkembe'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. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe's wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back."
