Remembering former Denver Nuggets star Dikembe Mutombo, a towering figure in basketball and humanity

As sports fans continue to grapple with the recent death of Dikembe Mutombo from brain cancer at age 58, many remember him as more than just the star basketball player who famously led the Denver Nuggets to several successful seasons. He is also described as a humanitarian who loved to help others.

During a recent interview on Colorado Matters with host Chandra Thomas Whitfield, Mark Spears, a senior NBA writer for ESPN and Andscape who covered the Nuggets for The Denver Post, shared information about the man behind the wagging finger that was later immortalized in Geico. insurance advertising.

Justin Adams, a Denver native and sports journalist for CBS Colorado who grew up watching Mutombo play on television, also joined the conversation, reflecting on Mutombo’s life and legacy.

The towering 7-foot-2 basketball icon was a towering figure who spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for a half-dozen teams, including five franchise-changing seasons with the Denver Nuggets. He certainly left his mark on the court, but both Spears and Adams agree that his legacy extends far beyond basketball. His life of genuine connection with people and a deep sense of giving resonates with fans and communities around the world.

“He had the biggest heart,” Spears recalled. “He came to the US in 1987 and received a USAID scholarship; he just wanted to be a doctor. This was his original hope – not to become a basketball player. And if you want to be a doctor, you are definitely someone who cares about making the world a better place, making people better.”

Gentle Giant

Despite her impressive height, Spears described Mutombo as a gentle and warm person. “He always made you feel like you were the same height as him,” recalls Spears, himself a 6-foot-7 man. The NBA Hall of Famer’s approachable demeanor and willingness to connect with fans created a strong connection, he said. In public, Mutombo has never shied away from his celebrity status, instead taking advantage of the opportunity to interact with fans.

One such incident was witnessed by Spears while he was at the airport preparing to board a flight with Mutombo.

“Everyone wanted a photo, a video or a finger wag, and he obliged every single person,” Spears said.

Unlike many athletes who might tire of the constant attention from fans, Mutombo seemed to genuinely enjoy the love and admiration he received.

African heritage

Mutombo’s influence was not limited to the cities in which he played. Spears said Mutombo’s efforts to improve health care in his native Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are a testament to his ongoing commitment to humanity. Inspired by the loss of his mother, who died due to inadequate medical care, Mutombo helped build a hospital in Kinshasa, the capital of his home country. The hospital provides essential medical services that were previously unavailable. Before its construction, Congolese citizens had to travel to India or South Africa for essential services such as MRIs.

Courtesy of Marc Spears

Spears highlighted the hospital’s transformative impact: “Over the last 20 years, it has probably saved millions of lives,” he said of Mutombo’s dedication and determination to bring change to his homeland. Mutombo also founded a school in his hometown and became a driving force behind the NBA’s outreach efforts in Africa, including Basketball Without Borders and the Africa Basketball League.

Global Ambassador

In 1994, then-NBA Commissioner David Stern invited Mutombo to help expand the league’s global presence, naming him the NBA’s first global ambassador. Mutombo’s passion for the game and his birthplace played a major role in promoting basketball across all continents, especially Africa. His role in promoting the development of African basketball talent cannot be overstated, as he helped lay the foundation for initiatives that brought many African players to the NBA.

Today, young African athletes inspired by Mutombo’s path continue to make their mark on the sport, Spears said. The Africa Basketball League, now in its fourth season, is a tribute to his vision for the continent’s basketball potential. Players like Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors, who hails from Mutombo’s native Congo, are among those carrying on his legacy.

Mutombo’s death from cancer was met with an outpouring of grief in the basketball world and beyond. However, both Spears and Adams said his influence was still felt, especially among African players who considered him a mentor and role model. As Spears noted, Mutombo was the “Godfather of African Basketball,” a title that speaks to the respect and admiration he earned from players around the world.

Denver Nuggets star

Mutombo’s contributions to the NBA are equally remarkable. Known for his shot-blocking antics, Spears said he may have the second-most blocks in history, behind only fellow African Hakeem Olajuwon. His famous finger wag after a blocked shot became an iconic celebration beloved by fans and players alike and was later immortalized in a Geico commercial.

For the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo’s role in the 1994 playoffs remains legendary. In one of the greatest upsets in NBA history, the eighth-seeded Nuggets defeated the first-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in the first round. A recurring image from the series is Mutombo lying on the floor clutching a basketball above his head in utter joy after the final buzzer sounds. It was a moment that forever etched Mutombo in the hearts of Denver sports fans.

Inspiration for the next generation

Adams also noted his influence and professional excellence.

“You knew that when you had a guy like Dikembe Mutombo in your squad, you always had a chance to win,” he said. To young fans, Adams noted, Mutombo was more than just a basketball player; he was a symbol of excellence and integrity both on and off the court.

Courtesy of Justin Adams

Adams, like many fans, said he was struck by how Mutombo transcended the sport, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. “He was committed to making memories matter,” Adams said, recalling how Mutombo had fun interacting with his fans around the world.

Long term exposure

Spears added that Mutombo’s influence extended into the business world. His coffee company, Mutombo Coffee, supports women coffee farmers in Africa and Latin America, demonstrating its commitment to supporting underserved communities.

Although his basketball career spanned 18 seasons, Adams and Spears agree that Mutombo’s legacy will always be measured by his contributions to humanity.

“He had a nickname, ‘Mount Mutombo,’ which had to do with his height and everything, but I just, obviously the mountain just stands tall, and he stood tall in everything he did,” Spears said. “Everything was at a different height than most; whether it was playing basketball, or the way he treated people, or the way he made the world a better place; or how he bridged the gap between Africa and America. He was Mount Mutombo. He stood tall.”