After battling brain cancer for over two years, NBA center Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58. Renowned NASCAR insider and longtime reporter for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Claire B. Lang, grieved the untimely death of the legendary shot blocker through a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Throughout his 18-year career in the NBA, Mutombo, also known as ‘Mount Mutombo’ for his 7-foot 2-inch stature, played for seven teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks. He was best known for his iconic finger wag taunt, which he pulled off while performing three straight blocks in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in 1997.
Recalling her interview with the NBA Hall of Famer in Las Vegas, Lang wrote:
“Sad to hear of the passing of HOF’er Dikembe Mutombo from a brain tumor. He was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players ever in the NBA and up close an incredibly kind human being.”
“I’ll never forget interviewing him in Vegas. He was 7′ 2″ and I am 5′ 1″ but he made me feel as tall as him…and it was so fun. Go rest high on that mountain Dikembe and thanks.”
Mutombo’s son, Ryan Mutombo, penned a heartfelt note following his father’s demise (via Sportscenter):
“My dad will forever be my hero. Not because of his success – not because of the millions who, over the last four decades, have come to know and love him. My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known.”
“Dikembe Mutombo was salt and light, and today, on the 30th of September, 2024, he has been called to rest. I love you, Dad. Rest easy,” he added.
Mutombo was one of the only three athletes to win the Defensive Player of the Year award four times, the other two were Ben Wallace and Rudy Gobert.
23XI Racing owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan sends his prayers to Mutombo’s family
Michael Jordan was deeply saddened at Mutombo’s demise. What Jordan admired the most about Mutombo was the latter’s humanitarian principles and his nature of giving back to his community.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about Dikembe’s passing,” Jordan said (KGET). “He was a defensive force on the court who changed the way the game of basketball is played. But more importantly, Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa.”
“I will especially miss hearing his booming laugh. My condolences to his wife, Rose, his children and his family,” Jordan added.
Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin own 23XI Racing, a two-car team that operates full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded by the duo in 2020. The team opened the doors to their brand new headquarters, The Airspeed, in May 2024.
Edited by Tushhita Barua
