Remembering a legend: Dikembe Mutombo passes away at 58

The NBA announced some sad news on Monday regarding the passing of Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo. The legendary shot-blocker died of brain cancer which was something that he has been dealing with since 2022.

Mutombo spent most of his time in the league with the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Denver Nuggets. He rejected 3,289 shots during his long career, second behind Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.

Not to mention his infamous finger wag that told his opponents not to shoot when the basketball was in his reach. He was one of the select few NBA players who had that intimidating presence in the paint. Mutombo was an 8x All-Star, 4x NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 3x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 2x NBA rebounding leader, and 3x NBA blocks leader.

Dikembe Mutombo's life involved a lot more than just basketball.

Once Mutombo retired from basketball in 2009, he decided to devote his time to philanthropy and humanitarianism. He wanted to give back to his home country and the entire African continent. Something worth mentioning is the fact that before Mutombo retired, he created the Mutombo Foundation in 1997.

He won many awards, not just from the NBA but from other organizations for his work in Africa to improve conditions and reduce the spread of polio. Mutombo was not only a great basketball player but he was also a tremendous human being who always thought of other people besides himself.

Dikembe Mutombo's son shares a heartfelt message about his dad.

Mutombo's son, Ryan, shared a heartfelt message paying tribute to his father's life on Instagram. "My dad is my hero because he simply cared," Ryan said. "He remains the purest heart I have ever known. I love you, Dad. Rest Easy."

Dikembe Mutombo's name will not only be a name forever engraved in the history of the NBA but it will be a name forever engraved in our hearts.