Basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo dies at 58 from brain cancer

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.

His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.

"Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life," NBA Commissioner Adam 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."

Mutombo was distinctive in so many ways — the playful finger wag at opponents after blocking their shots, his height, his deep and gravelly voice, his massive smile. Players of this generation were always drawn to him and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, looked to Mutombo as an inspiration.

"It's a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world," Embiid said Monday. "Other than what he's accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He's one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He's done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day."

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. <br><br>NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement. <a href="https://t.co/uHgZgSBDUJ">pic.twitter.com/uHgZgSBDUJ</a>

Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston,