Dikembe Mutombo was quite literally a towering figure on and off the court — someone who is a much remembered for his many humanitarian efforts as for his exploits as a player. The Congolese-American has devoted his post-playing career to various areas of public service, and those effects of his service have been felt worldwide.
Today, on September 30, 2024, the world sadly heard news of Mutombo’s passing from an ongoing battle with brain cancer.
Mutombo played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1996 to 2001, and he was named an All-Star for every eligible season while playing for the Hawks (the 1999 All-Star Game wasn’t held due to the late resolution of that season’s player lockout).