Basketball Corridor of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is present process remedy in Atlanta for a mind tumour, the NBA introduced Saturday.
Mutombo has been one of many NBA’s world ambassadors for years, and not too long ago appeared at Corridor of Fame enshrinement occasions in Springfield, Massachusetts and a pair of preseason video games in Saitama, Japan.
He additionally appeared with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an occasion within the Congo, Mutombo’s native nation, in August.
“He’s receiving the very best care doable from a collaborative crew of specialists in Atlanta and is in nice spirits as he begins remedy,” Mutombo’s household mentioned in an announcement distributed by the NBA. “Dikembe and his household ask for privateness throughout this time to allow them to concentrate on his care. They’re grateful to your prayers and good needs.”
The household didn’t launch every other particulars, together with what prompted the tumour being found.
“We all know he’ll strategy this problem with the identical willpower and grit which have made him a legend on and off the court docket,” Atlanta Hawks principal proprietor Tony Ressler mentioned.
The 56-year-old Mutombo spent 18 seasons within the NBA, taking part in for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets. The seven-foot-two out of Georgetown was an eight-time all-star, four-time defensive participant of the yr, three-time All-NBA choice and went into the Corridor of Fame in 2015.
Mutombo final performed throughout the 2008-09 season and has labored extensively for charitable and humanitarian causes since. Blinken lauded him when the pair had been collectively within the Congo, telling Mutombo “you’ve got accomplished a lot to deliver the world collectively.”
Mutombo speaks 9 languages and based the Dikembe Mutombo Basis in 1997, concentrating on bettering well being, training and high quality of life for the individuals within the Congo. His basis led the constructing of a 170-bed hospital in Kinshasa, the capital metropolis, and that facility has handled practically a half-million individuals no matter their capability to pay for care.
He additionally has served on the boards of many organizations, together with Particular Olympics Worldwide, the CDC Basis and the Nationwide Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.