Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo undergoing treatment for brain tumor
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, according to a statement issued by the NBA on Saturday.
"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."
Drafted No. 4 overall in 1991 by the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo spent 18 seasons playing in the NBA for the Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. An eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 following his retirement in 2009.
Well-known for his humanitarian efforts, even during his playing career, Mutombo has continued his role as an NBA Global Ambassador while contributing to a number of charitable endeavors over the years.
"He is truly invaluable," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said of Mutombo back in March. "He has been incredible. He's been an ambassador, not only a global ambassador for the NBA, but he's been ambassador for this sport in the continent, on the continent and around the world, right? He's a global ambassador for us, but his presence here means so much because he is what, when you Africans look up to [an NBA player], they look up to Dikembe because he did it. He did it [at] the highest level."
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