Mt. Mutombo Will Not Be Forgotten

by Atma Brother ONE on Apr 22, 2009 9:43 AM PDT in NBA

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 footage swatage.

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

Tweet Comment 15 comments | 3 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I'm with you on this one

Sad to see him go out like that but It’s been fun watching him all these years, thanks for the memories Dikembe.

There's a party in my mind.
And I wish that I was there.

by qin on Apr 22, 2009 9:58 AM PDT reply actions

Reading this morning

It seems everyone really loved Dikembe – not sure too many other basketball players will get this kind of farewell.
Great career by the big man, both on the court and off.

Blogging at RidiculousUpside

by Scott Schroeder on Apr 22, 2009 10:25 AM PDT reply actions

sad day

it’s hard to see dikembe go out because of an injury. the only fitting way for that man to retire would have been while clutching a basketball on the ground while crying out for joy like he did after beating the sonics, not pain from an injury. i don’t like the rockets, but i’d love to see him win a title. give us one more year mt. mutombo. go to a team with title aspirations and put them over the top.

if not, your blocks, the finger wag, all the nicknames (all time favorite: defende reboundo), and your general character will be missed dearly by the nba. i’m sure he’ll keep up the amazing charity work and hope that gets the publicity it deserves both to help him succeed and for my selfish reasons of getting to see more dikembe mutombo. i’ll miss seeing him on the court, but what he’s doing off the court is so worthwhile, i’ve got to be glad he has more time to do it.

all the best, dikembe.

heart of a champion, will of the warrior.

by cap'n hack on Apr 22, 2009 10:27 AM PDT reply actions

Takin' me back to NBA Jam.

Major bummer.

Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell? Oh no hide the children!

by Nuck Chorris on Apr 22, 2009 10:41 AM PDT reply actions

This sucks

He was the sole reason why I was/am cheering for the Rockets to win it all. Even if they do win, it’s hard to enjoy because he’s not taking part in their games anymore.

by Golden Boy on Apr 22, 2009 11:22 AM PDT reply actions

Mutumbo the great :>)

Guys like him are the reason we are fans.
Maybe he can mentor Randolf now that he’s got some free time?

Now wheres the rubbers? Whose got the rubbers?
I noticed there's so many of them
and there's really not that many of us.

by Skeptic con Urquell on Apr 22, 2009 11:28 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

great idea, sign him up!!

There's a party in my mind.
And I wish that I was there.

by qin on Apr 22, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

One of the best dudes, on and off the floor, to ever play the game. He’s like Adonal Foyle with serious game. I’m now officially pulling for the Rockets to win it and get Dikembe a ring.

Thing A

by sam23 on Apr 22, 2009 12:41 PM PDT reply actions

Mt. Mutombo and Manute

Are easily one of my favorite players of all time, they were great off the court and we’re monster SWAT team members on the court. Love both of em.

Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson, or John Wall. A Warrior in 09.
With the 6th Pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, the SF Giants pick Donovan Tate.
Andre Smith in Silver & Black in 2009.

by ejdacanay on Apr 22, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks for the memeries

Mt. Mutombo. We all know Rockets will takes the Blazers in 5. But, they won’t beat the Lakers thou. Anyways why can’t it be T-broken back. He been holding the team down.

by warriorfan4life on Apr 22, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions