Mutombo was born in Congo-Kinshasa but moved to the USA at the age of 21. There, he eventually had a long career in the NBA, 18 seasons in six different clubs, and was four times named the league's best defensive player.
"On the court, he was one of the best blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the court, he opened his heart and soul to help others," says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement.
In the NBA, he represented Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets. He was selected to the season's All Star team eight times.
He played his last season in 2008-09 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
After his career, Mutombo dedicated himself largely to charity work. He spoke nine languages and in 1997, he started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation with the goal of improving people's health, education, and quality of life in his home country of Congo-Kinshasa.
Two years ago, Mutombo's family announced that he was undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
