Dikembe Mutombo, a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, has died at 58. The basketball player-turned-humanitarian fought throughout his life to improve the living conditions in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
The basketball world lost an icon on Monday when Dikembe Mutombo died at 58 years old.
Not only was Mutombo a star on the court, he was a memorable figure for both his humanitarian work and his unique personality. Mutombo moved to the United States when he was 21 years old after growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite not playing basketball until he was 16, Mutombo made his mark over 18 seasons in the NBA with eight All-Star selections and four Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mutombo's son Ryan posted a tribute to his father on social media Monday, but he wasn't alone. The entire community came together to honor one of the NBA's best defenders of all-time.
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Here are some reactions from former players, media and fans:
