What happened to Dikembe Mutombo? Cause of death explored as NBA Legend dies aged 58

On Monday morning, the NBA world was hit hard by the news of Dikembe Mutombo's death. Reports surfaced that the longtime center died at the age of 58.

Mutombo's cause of death was attributed to his battle with brain cancer. This marks the end of a two-year battle with the disease, as he first began treatment for a tumor in 2022.

To this day, Dikembe Mutombo is widely regarded as one of the best defensive centers in NBA history. After playing in college at Georgetown, the 7-foot-2 big man was drafted fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets.

Mutombo played 18 years in the league, suiting up for multiple franchises. Among his stops included the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

The former defensive anchor is among the handful of players who hung around the NBA into their mid-40s. Mutombo's final season was with the Rockets in 2009 at the age of 42. Though, he only ended up playing in only nine games that year.

Not long after his retirement, Mutombo was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2015. His list of accolades includes being an eight-time All-Star, three-time blocks per game champion and four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

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Adam Silver releases statement reagarding death of Dikembe Mutombo

Since the news of Dikembe Mutombo emerged, countless people in and around the league have said kind things about him. Among the first to release an official statement was NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Aside from his impact on the court, Mutombo has also played a big part in helping grow the game globally. Following his playing days, he continued to work closely with the NBA as an ambassador.

In his statement, Adam Silver shined a light on what a special person Dikembe Mutombo was and offered condolences to his family.

"Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life," Silver said. "I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe's big heart and I will miss him dearly."

Mutombo is now the latest death in the NBA community in the past 12 months. Earlier this year, the basketball world lost Bill Walton and LA Lakers legend Jerry West as well.

As a longtime player and ambassador for the game, Mutombo has had a massive impact on the sport. Now, his legacy will live on through all the people he's encountered and inspired over the past three decades.