In the world of NBA legends, few names resonate with the same power and dignity as that of Dikembe Mutombo. The 7-foot-2 center from the Democratic Republic of Congo didn’t just block shots, but also blocked out poverty and despair for countless individuals through his philanthropic measures which were run by his charitable trust, ‘The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation.’ That had made him a legend in the off-court world but he was also a loving character at his home too. Now in the wake of his passing, Mutombo’s son has shared a heart-wrenching tribute that unveils the true measure of the man behind the iconic finger wag.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the former basketball center’s son, Ryan Mutombo has paid tribute to the legend who has shaped his life. “My dad will forever be my hero. Not because of his success- not because of the millions, who over the last four decades have come to know and love him. My dad is my hero because he simply cared. He remains the purest heart I have ever known. At time I thought my dad as a superman,” read the caption of the post by Ryan.

The late center’s NBA career was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 18 seasons, he amassed 3,289 blocks, earning him the second spot on the all-time list. His defensive prowess netted him four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, tying him with Ben Wallace for the most in league history. But it wasn’t just his on-court achievements that made Mutombo a giant among men. “It’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. … That guy, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person,” said Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri.

Off the court, Mutombo’s impact was equally monumental. He established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving health, education, and quality of life for people in his homeland. His crowning achievement was the construction of a $29 million hospital in Kinshasa, which has treated over 500,000 patients since its opening in 2007. These acts of generosity earned him the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award twice, in 2001 and 2009.

His family experiences mirrored the achievements he gained in sports. He fathered three children with his wife and also adopted the four children of his wife Rose’s deceased brothers. Once the spokesperson for the international relief agency CARE, he was elected as one of the 20 winners of the President’s Service Awards in 1999, the nation’s highest honor for social service.

As he was widely known for his humanitarianism, he was extended an invitation to President George W. Bush’s 2007 State of the Union Address, where the President acknowledged the great work he did. “We are proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America,” said the President.

In the wake of his passing as a legendary player in sports, people feel a deep loss as Mutombo’s son’s voice emphasizes the profound effect one person can have when they choose to serve the community.

NBA Commissioner’s kind words for Dikembe Mutombo

Before anyone from the basketball community got to know about the unfortunate event of Mutombo’s passing at 58 due to brain cancer, it was the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver who took to X to share the sorrowful news. His statement was officially brought to light by NBA communications.

Silver in his statement praised Mutombo’s extraordinary contributions to the sport and also his off-court ventures. “There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on the communities,” read the official statement of Silver.

For his defensive skills and charitable work in his homeland of Congo, Mutombo gained the respect and admiration of fans and colleagues. His legacy as a gentle giant will continue to inspire future generations of players. And as Ryan put it, “He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real.” Indeed, Ryan, that’s how the world will remember the great Mt. Mutombo.

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.