Basketball Hall of Famer and eight-time NBA All-Star Dikembe Mutombo has died at the age of 58 following a battle with brain cancer.
Mutombo, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but moved to America at the age of 21, was selected fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 Draft.
He went on to play for the Nuggets, Hawks, 76ers, Nets, Knicks and Rockets in a stellar career, before retiring in 2009.
The news was announced in a statement by the NBA, whose commissioner Adam Silver said: 'Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life.
'On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.
He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.
'I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years - with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.
