Houston, Texas — The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced Saturday that Basketball Hall of Fame Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor.
Mutombo has been one of the NBA’s global ambassadors for years, most recently appearing at Hall of Fame honor events in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a pair of preliminary matches in Saitama, Japan.
He also appeared with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at an event in Congo, Mutombo’s home, in August.
“He is receiving the best possible care from a collaborative team of professionals in Atlanta, and is in great spirits when treatment begins,” Mutombo’s family said in a statement distributed by the National Basketball Association.
“Dicembe and his family are requesting privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”
The family did not reveal any other details, including why the tumor was discovered.
“We know he will tackle this challenge with the same determination and determination that made him a legend on and off the court,” said Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler.
The 56-year-old spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and then New Jersey Nets. The 7-foot-2 center outside of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star player, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and three-time NBA selection, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points. and 10.3 rebounds per game during his career.
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