Former Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo was diagnosed with a brain tumor and is receiving treatment in Atlanta.
The family issued a statement about his brain tumor and treatment, stating he was still in good spirits but didn’t give much information about his condition.
“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” the statement read. “Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care they are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”
Dikembe Mutombo is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
He is receiving “the best care possible” and “is in great spirits” per statement issued by the NBA on behalf of Mutombo and his family ?? pic.twitter.com/85k9UrDvmq
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 15, 2022
The 56-year-old was initially drafted into the Nuggets in 1991 before switching over to the Atlanta Hawks in 1996. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Nicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009.
Mutombo succeeded in his NBA career, becoming one of the top 10 defensive players in the NBA. Mutombo is unknown for wagging his finger after blocking off his opponent’s shot, which became a meme and placed in a 2013 Geico commercial.
Mutombo was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015. During his speech, he thanked those who contributed to his success and his family. In the last portion of the speech, he expressed his gratitude for becoming the third NBA player from Africa.
He mentioned that while he hasn’t won a championship, he’s a champion in the eyes of so many people he has helped in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he helped build a hospital that “served more than 140,000 people.”
“My last mission is to continue to change the living condition of the people in Africa,” he stated.
