NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a dominant 7-foot-2 center, died Monday after losing his battle with brain cancer. He was 58.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that he was surrounded by his family when he died.

Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA, where he was one of the most feared shot blockers of all time and taunted opponents with a signature finger wag.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver said. “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.”

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Silver continued:

There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador. He was a humanitarian at his core. 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.

Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe’s wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends; and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him back.

The league announced in October 2022 that Mutombo was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor.

His career in the NBA included stints for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets, ESPN reported.

The sports publication noted that Mutombo was named the league’s top defensive player four times and finished his career ranked second all-time in blocks (3,289).

NBA Global Ambassador and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo passed away today at the age of 58 from brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ

— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024