Dikembe Mutombo, the legendary Hall of Fame center known for his iconic finger-wagging and his humanitarian work off the court, passed away at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer, the NBA announced on Monday.

Mutombo had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta for the past two years. He died surrounded by family, according to an NBA statement.

"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.

There was no one more suited to be the NBA's first Global Ambassador. His work, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across Africa, uplifted countless lives."

Born Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo on June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mutombo grew up in a family of 10 children. His father worked in education, and Mutombo excelled academically, mastering English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and five Central African languages, including Lingala and Tshiluba.

Initially, Mutombo pursued a career in medicine, attending Boboto College in Kinshasa. At the urging of his family, and thanks to his imposing height, he shifted his focus to basketball. In 1987, at age 21, he moved to the United States, attending Georgetown University on a USAID scholarship. His plan to become a doctor changed when Georgetown Hoyas coach John Thompson saw his potential on the basketball court.

Mutombo became a force in the NBA, ranking second in career blocked shots with 3,289. His signature move—playfully wagging his right index finger after a block—became one of the most beloved gestures in basketball. During his 18-season career, Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.

Standing at 7-foot-2, Mutombo was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time All-NBA selection, and an eight-time All-Star. He also ranks 20th in all-time rebounds (12,359), and only Hakeem Olajuwon surpassed his block total.

In 1995, Mutombo met his wife, Rose, during a visit to Kinshasa. The couple lived in Atlanta and had three children together. In addition to their biological children, Mutombo and Rose adopted four children from Rose’s deceased brothers, demonstrating their commitment to family and compassion.

Their son, Ryan Mutombo, followed in his father’s footsteps on the basketball court. Ranked as the 16th-best high school center in the United States, Ryan committed to play for Georgetown University in 2021, where his father had once been a standout player. As of August 2023, Ryan, who is also 7-foot-2, had completed two seasons with Georgetown's basketball team, continuing the family legacy.

Mutombo's legacy extends far beyond basketball. His most famous on-court moment came in the 1994 NBA playoffs, when his eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets stunned the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in a historic first-round upset. Holding the ball and beaming after the victory, Mutombo’s image remains iconic in NBA history.

"Dikembe may have been the best defensive player to ever play in the NBA," said former Nuggets coach Dan Issel. "But his legacy off the court might be even greater."

After retiring, Mutombo turned his focus to humanitarian efforts, especially in Africa. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving health, education, and quality of life in Congo. The foundation's most notable achievement was the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, a 170-bed facility that has served over half a million patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

NBA figures worldwide spoke about Mutombo’s generosity and global influence. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, described him as a role model: "It’s a sad day for Africa and the world. He did so much for so many people. He was a giant both on and off the court."

Masai Ujiri, the president of the Toronto Raptors and a close friend, was emotional upon hearing the news. "You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me," Ujiri said tearfully. "He made us who we are. His heart was the biggest you could ever find."

Mutombo's charitable work spanned far beyond Africa. He served on the boards of organizations such as Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation, and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, demonstrating his commitment to global causes.

Mutombo was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, and his No. 55 jersey was retired by both the Nuggets and the Hawks. His infectious smile, deep voice, and unforgettable finger wag have left a lasting imprint on basketball fans across generations.

"Dikembe’s spirit will live on in those whose lives he touched," Adam Silver concluded. "I was one of the many people lucky enough to be inspired by his kindness and compassion. He will be deeply missed."

NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo also shared their fond memories of Mutombo. "He was always there to give me advice, especially on how to take care of my body," Antetokounmpo said. "He will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace."

LeBron James humorously recalled how Mutombo once fractured his face with an elbow during a game on his birthday: "That’s my memory of Dikembe," James said with a smile, "Those elbows were no joke!"

Mutombo’s son, Ryan, poignantly honored his father in a heartfelt tribute: "My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He loved others with every ounce of his being. He remains the purest heart I have ever known."