NBA
How many NBA rings did Dikembe Mutombo win?
The eight-time All-Star player and Hall of Famer passed away at the age of 58, but ‘Mount Mutombo’ won’t be forgotten any time soon.
News broke on Monday that Dikembe Mutombo, a beloved figure in the world of basketball, had passed away at the age of just 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Known not just for his towering height and shot-blocking ability, but for his infectious smile and big heart, the man affectionately named ‘Mount Mutombo’ left a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
Mutombo: the star with no rings
Though Mutombo earned a place in the Hall of Fame as one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, he never won a championship ring. His career spanned 18 years, during which he was named an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was also somewhat famous for his finger-wag after blocking shots, a gesture that became almost as iconic as his play.
Despite playing for several teams – most notably the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets - an NBA championship title sadly eluded him. Mutombo came closest in 2001 with the Sixers, reaching the NBA Finals, but his team fell short against the dominant Los Angeles Lakers 4-1, with Shaquille O’Neal taking the MVP.
But Mutombo’s legacy was never just about basketball. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he used his platform and success to give back to his home country and to Africa as a whole. His charitable foundation built hospitals and funded countless healthcare initiatives, helping thousands of people in need. He will be missed.