Dikembe Mutombo had a Hall of Fame career in the NBA.
Dikembe Mutombo (right) had to hold Kobe Bryant (left) in the 2001 NBA finals. ZUMAPRESS / MVPHOTOS
With a member of the NBA’s defensive elite Dikembe Mutombo, 56, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. An announcement was made about the illness of the center, who is part of the basketball hall of honor NBA website.
Mutombo is currently being treated in Atlanta. According to the release, he is in a good mood in the hands of professionals.
– Dikembe and his family are asking for privacy so they can focus on treatments. They are grateful for all the prayers and remembrances, the release said.
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the 218-centimeter giant was named the NBA’s best defensive player four times. He played 18 seasons and was selected to the all-star game eight times.
The Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets have put Mutombo’s jersey on the roof of their halls.
Mutombo has the second most blocks and 17th most rebounds in league history. Ikon’s playing career ended in 2009. Since then, he has focused on charity and humanitarian work. Mutombo has especially developed African basketball.