HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 20: Dikembe Mutombo attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
The NBA announced that Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
On Saturday, the NBA world was hit with devastating news regarding Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the league announced Mutombo, known for his days in Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, and other destinations, would be undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for brain tumor, per statement issued by the NBA on behalf of Mutombo and his family. 🙏🏽
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 15, 2022
The widely beloved basketball icon is considered to be one of the toughest players and defenders to ever step foot on an NBA court. The social media world took to their keyboards to offer sympathy and prayers for Mutombo and his family.
The NBA World is sending their best wishes to Dikembe Mutombo after his announcement of undergoing treatment
Over 18 NBA seasons, Mutombo, drafted by the Hawks, played for six different teams. The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, four-time defensive player of the year, and three-time All-NBA selection.
Mutombo’s most successful season came in 2001, when he, along with Allen Iverson, made an appearance in the NBA Finals, losing 4-1 to Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers. In his career, Mutombo ranks 17th in rebounds (12,359) and finished with 3,289 career blocks, second to Hakeem Olajuwon (3,830).
The news of the diagnosis comes at an especially difficult time, as October is recognized as National Cancer Awareness Month. Professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA and WNBA fundraise throughout the year to benefit charities dedicated to raising money for cancer healthcare and research, while screening reminders are heavily promoted throughout the month.
Per the NBA, Mutombo is “receiving the best possible care from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment.” The league also shared that the Mutombo family is grateful for prayers and good wishes as the NBA world rallies around him.
