The passing of a legend always strikes a chord in the world and the recent death of Dikembe Mutombo due to brain cancer has sent mourning shock down the NBA community. The late center was not only a dominant force on the hardwood but was also a beloved figure due to his humanitarian contributions to people. As the news of his demise broke out, a chorus of voices from the veterans of the game united to share their grief.

Shaquille O’Neal who is known for his bigger-than-life personality and whose game had frequently clashed with Mutombo on epic battles under the basket was among the first to share his thoughts. “You will me be missed Big Man R.I.P. Dikembe Mutombo #55,” wrote the seven-footer. Of course, he will be. After all, he did manage to get under the skin of the Lakers star in the 2001 NBA Finals while he was in his prime years. Mutombo had remarked prior to the game that he could take on the Lakers star one-on-one and that struck O’Neal as a sign of disrespect.

Not just O’Neal though, another Knicks star came to the fore to express his thoughts. Carmelo Anthony who had shared a connection with the late center through their Denver Nuggets lineage, provided a moving perspective. “You gave everything you had to the game but more importantly to your people. Your legacy lives on. Rest in Power Dikembe,” read the caption of the post by Anthony.

While Dikembe Mutombo’s shot-blocking prowess and iconic finger wag are etched in NBA lore, his off-court accomplishments often fly under the radar. Few realize that Mutombo, fluent in nine languages, leveraged his linguistic skills to bridge cultural gaps in his humanitarian efforts.

Mutombo contributed significantly to the Special Olympics as a member of the board of directors and a global ambassador. The late basketball player had helped thousands of athletes with disabilities to express themselves. Not only this, in 1997, he started the foundation by the name ‘Dikembe Mutombo Foundation’ to help and improve the living conditions in his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The late center even opened a $29 million hospital in his hometown, Kinshasa, to provide basic and complex medical treatments that were not available in that area before. He had even built a pre-K school in Africa after his father’s name.

The seven-footer, as a Global Ambassador of the NBA, even played a pivotal role in expanding the league’s reach across Africa. In 2004, he, along with other players like Shawn Bradley, Malik Rose, and DeSagana Diop, toured Africa to improve the infrastructure needed to play the game. He even paid for uniforms and expenses for the Zaire women’s basketball team during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.

His philanthropic efforts have improved countless lives and inspired others to give back. His memory will continue to serve as a reminder of the power of sports to unite people and make a positive impact on the world. As this sad day befalls us, we are left with his legacy and our condolences for the Mutombo family.

What other NBA veterans said regarding the death of the legend

As mentioned earlier, the whole basketball community is grieving over the demise of the legend. It didn’t take much time for the veterans to express themselves regarding this sorrowful event. The Spanish power forward Pau Gasol, wrote a whole paragraph on how the legend had impacted his gameplay and also the game itself. “I was very sad to hear about Dikembe Mutombo’s passing. Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him, wrote Gasol on his X.

The former Seattle SuperSonics small forward, Eddie A. Johnson who had faced Mutombo numerous times shared insights into the big man’s on-court demeanor. “Words cannot express what an unbelievable person this man Dikembe was. He was first class in every way possible. The world today takes another gut punch! RIP my Friend!” read the caption of the post by Johnson.

Serge Ibaka, a fellow African-born NBA star, undoubtedly looked up to Mutombo as a role model and inspiration. His emotional words highlighted not only Mutombo’s impact on the court but also his off-court legacy as a humanitarian. “You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions. You are an @NBA legend and an African icon and that will inspire the many coming generations. Rest In Peace Dikembe Mutombo,” read the words written by Ibaka.

There was also Magic Johnson, who himself had gotten a second chance at living from HIV, who emphasized how jolly the center was on and off the court. “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 his X.

In truth, Mutombo excelled more significantly by altering lives and reducing barriers than by the shots he deflected or the records he created. When looking at his impact, we see that real achievement in sports heads beyond mere statistics and encompasses the enduring influence on the sport and wider community.

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