Reaction to the death of Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo

Response to the loss of life of Basketball Corridor of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, who died Monday from mind most cancers. He was 58.

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“I’m deeply saddened to listen to about Dikembe’s passing. He was a defensive power on the courtroom who modified the way in which the sport of basketball is performed. However extra importantly, Dikembe really modified the world and improved numerous lives by means of his humanitarian work in Africa. I’ll particularly miss listening to his booming snort. My condolences to his spouse, Rose, his kids and his household.” — Basketball Corridor of Famer Michael Jordan.

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“I had the privilege of touring the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted individuals. He was at all times accessible at NBA occasions over time — along with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball followers of each technology. Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those that he helped and impressed all through his extraordinary life. I’m one of many many individuals whose lives have been touched by Dikembe’s large coronary heart and I’ll miss him dearly.” — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

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“As a basketball participant, he might need been the most effective defensive participant to ever play the NBA. I by no means noticed (Invoice) Russell enjoying, however he’d need to be awfully good to be pretty much as good as Dikembe. You’re very lucky as a coach when your greatest participant is the one which works the toughest and retains all the principles, which is what Dikembe did. However his legacy may be even greater with the work that he did off of the courtroom.” — Former Nuggets coach Dan Issel

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“Dikembe was not solely nice on the courtroom, however a power for good off it, admired and beloved by those that bought to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, in addition to to serving to others, won’t ever be forgotten. My ideas are along with his household and his family members at this very troublesome time. Might he relaxation in peace.” — Basketball Corridor of Famer Pau Gasol.

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“Actually, I do know him extra for his commercials. It’s simply how I grew up. I by no means bought to look at him play. It simply reveals the impression he’s made not solely on the courtroom. I do know he’s accomplished lots of work worldwide and made an impression on all people’s lives another way.” — Cleveland middle Jarrett Allen, who revealed Monday that he wished to convey again Mutombo’s finger-wag celebration earlier than being instructed that the Corridor of Famer had died earlier within the day.

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“Like many throughout the globe, my coronary heart is heavy with the lack of Atlanta Hawks legend and humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo. I’m grateful for the chance to go to with him and his spouse Rose at their residence final month and categorical the gratitude and satisfaction Atlantans and hundreds of thousands worldwide held for such a very good man. He is not only a Corridor of Famer — he’s irreplaceable. My prayers are along with his household and family members.” — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

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“It’s actually arduous to consider and it’s arduous for us to be with out that man.” — Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.

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“He beloved others with each ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him actual. Dikembe Mutombo was salt and light-weight, and in the present day, on the thirtieth of September, 2024, he has been referred to as to relaxation. I really like you, Dad. Relaxation straightforward.” — Ryan Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo’s son.

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“I used to be lucky to have been capable of name him a buddy. My household and I have been past proud to have him characterize the Hawks group on and off the courtroom. Along with his jersey within the rafters, his life and legacy will at all times be remembered in Atlanta.” — Hawks principal proprietor Tony Ressler.

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“You paved the way in which for me and for a lot of Congolese and African youth together with your legendary basketball profession and charitable actions. You might be an NBA legend and an African icon and that may encourage the numerous coming generations.” — Former NBA participant Serge Ibaka.

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“Georgetown misplaced one in every of its greatest in Dikembe Mutombo. Basketball followers keep in mind him for his protection, rebounding and that trademark finger wag, however to these of us that knew him effectively, we are going to miss the daddy, teammate, mentor and buddy. Dikembe left his mark on the Georgetown group in so some ways, however he might be greatest remembered for his distinctive reward of leveraging his platform as a Corridor of Fame basketball participant to maximise his world impression as a humanitarian.” — Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed.

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“Doing the factor’s he’s accomplished — did — it’s powerful for everyone. It’s powerful for the world. Being a fan of his, after which having a possibility to play with him, provides me a unique perspective as a buddy of his. Robust day. however he’s going to be watching over us.” — 76ers guard Kyle Lowry.

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“Dikembe was beloved by the complete NBA group and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league.” — Houston Rockets proprietor Tilman Fertitta.

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“I knew him as a real humanitarian. … I’ll love and miss him terribly.” — Cindy McCain, the widow of late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

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“He was one of many nicest guys on earth and had such an enormous coronary heart. He genuinely wished to assist as many individuals on this planet that he presumably might. Simply had a gorgeous spirit about him.” — former NBA participant Etan Thomas.

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