“The NBA is becoming a global game,” said Dikembe Mutombo once and he himself contributed the most in making the game international. The legendary center who turned defense into an art form and turned “No no no” into a catchphrase may have left us but his legacy refuses to be denied much like the countless shots he swatted away during his illustrious 18-year career. From his unprecedented rookie season where he averaged 3.0 blocks per game to his masterful 31 rebound performance against the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, Mutombo’s defensive dominance was unparalleled. Now, an NBA Hall of Famer has proposed a fitting tribute to ensure Mutombo’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

In the very first episode of ‘ The Jim Jackson Show‘, Charles Barkley, was asked about his thoughts on the recent demise of the legend. The 56-year-old was quick to address the points that made Mutombo great as a player but in the end, he advocated for the creation of an award bearing Mutombo’s name. “We have to got to find a way for, I mean there’s got to be some type, cause I know we got the social justice award for Kareem. We need to have an award in Dikembe’s name where we recognize somebody’s charity work. I mean obviously I got to say, we got the Kareem one. But we can never honor our legends enough period,” said Barkley during the show.

According to the former power forward, Mutombo should be remembered not only for his athletic prowess but also for his successful stint in charity. Throughout the years, the veteran center has made significant contributions to society, especially in his home country. In 1997, Mutombo started his own charitable trust by the name of ‘Dikembe Mutombo Foundation‘ to help improve the living conditions of the people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The biggest achievement of this organization was in 2007 when they opened a $29 million hospital, named Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, in the late center’s hometown, Kinshasa.

The hospital aims to provide complex medical treatments that were not available in that area before. “You know I have never met a better person. Everybody knows he was a heck of a basketball player. Jimmy he built hospitals in Africa. You know think about that, built hospitals in Africa, that’s what like, the number one to get out of that country and become one of the Hall of Famer but to use your own money to build a hospital. Man if that don’t make you think this dude’s special there’s something wrong with anybody,” said Chuck during the show.

Moreover, Mutombo’s off-court prowess didn’t stop there. Being a global ambassador of the NBA, he tried his best to bring the sport to the continent of Africa. In 2004 he, along with other players like Shawn Bradley, Malik Rose, and DeSagana Diop, toured the African content to improve the basketball infrastructure. He even paid for the expenses of the Zaire women’s basketball team during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.

The sudden death of the legend on 30th September due to brain cancer has been a shocker for the whole basketball community. As the fans continue to mourn the loss of one of its greatest ambassadors, Barkley’s proposal offers a ray of hope. A chance to ensure that Mutombo’s legacy of athletic excellence and humanitarian service continues to inspire future generations of players. However, did you know what other NBA veterans said regarding the legend’s passing away?

NBA veterans open up about Dikembe Mutombo

The passing of Dikembe Mutombo left a profound impact on the NBA community. As the news spread like wildfire through social media, many NBA veterans expressed their grief and shared their fond memories of the legendary center.

The very first person to share his thoughts on the matter was no one but the Los Angeles Lakers standout Shaquille O’Neal. The 2001 playoffs between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, stay as an example of the intense clash between Shaq’s offense and Mutombo’s defense. Still, the former Lakers center shared words of kindness for the fellow seven-footer. “You will me be missed Big Man R.I.P. Dikembe Mutombo #55,” wrote Shaq on Instagram.

O’Neal’s kind words were followed by another post from a fellow African basketballer, Serge Ibaka, who praised Mutombo on his humanitarian grounds. “You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions,” said Ibaka. Even Magic Johnson, who got a second chance in life after battling HIV, shared his words for the Congolese player. “I will truly miss his big smile, his spirit, and his powerful voice. Cookie and I are keeping his wife Rose, his children, and the rest of his family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” wrote Johnson on X.

These touching words from the NBA community show that even after having intense competitions on the court, they all remain respectful toward each other outside the lines. It is for certain that the Congolenese basketballer’s legacy will continue for years.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.