Basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo eulogized following passing away announcement

Toronto Raptors President, Masai Ujiri, shared his sorrow on Monday over the passing of Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s greatest defensive players. Mutombo, known for his incredible contributions on and off the court, died at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer.

Mutombo’s family had announced two years ago that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor in Atlanta. He passed away surrounded by his family, according to the NBA.

Overcome with emotion, Ujiri expressed how much Mutombo meant to him, pausing several times during his tribute. “It’s hard to believe,” Ujiri said. “You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me… That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

Mutombo last played in the 2008-09 season, but he remained active in humanitarian efforts after his retirement. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving health and education in his home country, the Congo.

Basketball superstar LeBron James also shared his memory of Mutombo, recalling how he fractured his face on his birthday during a game in 2004 after catching one of Mutombo’s infamous elbows. Despite the painful incident, James spoke fondly of Mutombo’s legacy and his impact on the game.

Mutombo will be remembered not only for his legendary defensive skills but also for his dedication to making the world a better place through his charitable work.