I bring you very sad news today my friends. Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo [Wikipedia] hurt his knee last night in a playoff game loss to the Portland Trailblazers and announced "For Me, Basketball is Over." [TrueHoop].
"I cried so much about it when I was laying on the floor," said Mutombo. "But when I got in the locker room, kids talked about I need to be positive and thank God for the wonderful 18 years I had." [ClutchFans]
I am very sad to see one of my all-time favs going out like this. Mt. Mutumbo is one of the true legends of the 90's and 00's hoops era. Defensively we're talking about one of the greatest centers to ever play this game. I still remain amazed at the fanastic physical shape he kept himself in till his 40's and his everlasting defensive presence. He was a real character (just ask Warriors rook Anthony Randolph) and a fantastic ambassador for the NBA. Dikembe Mutombo will be missed.
Make the jump for some more retro
Okay let's get this one out of the way...
Moving on...
The biggest upset Pre-WE BELIEVE
Highlights from 18 Years of Nasty D [Basketball Reference]:
- 8 time NBA All-Star
- 4 time Defensive Player of the Year
- 6 time All-Defensive Team
- 3 time All-NBA Team
- 3 Time NBA Blocks Leader
- 2nd All-Time in Blocks (3289) behind Hakeem Olajuwon
- 1991-1992 NBA All-Rookie First Team
[Suns Gossip: Tribute to Larry Brown's Sixers]
Anytime you see someone waving their finger after rejecting a shot you know where it came from.
See The History of the Finger Wag [The On Deck Circle]
Mutombo has much more to offer this world than just blocks and boards.
DMF: Dikembe Mutombo Foundation
We wish him nothing but the best.
UPDATE (10:41am): More Mutombo-ness can be found at the Dikembe Mutombo SBN Player Page