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The NBA family is in shock to hear the devastating news about Dikembe Mutombo. The Hall of Famer was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is now undergoing treatment to remove the tumor.
On Twitter, the NBA issued a statement regarding the situation. They mentioned that Mutombo is getting the best medical care possible. He is currently at a medical center located somewhere in Atlanta. Despite the heartbreaking situation, Mutombo is still in high spirits and staying optimistic.
As of right now, there isn't any information regarding how the tumor came about. The Mutombo family is yet to disclose any updates regarding the NBA legend. In the meantime, all we can do is send our prayers and best wishes for Dikembe Mutombo.
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Dikembe Mutombo's accolades in the NBA
Dikembe Mutombo is one of the first African native basketball players to have a career in the NBA. Mutombo was drafted in the 1991 NBA Draft as the fourth overall pick in the first round selected by the Denver Nuggets. He was a specimen like no one had ever seen at the time. Standing at 7 ft 2 and weighing 260 pounds, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Mutombo had a lengthy career in the league, playing for a total of 18 seasons. Within that time frame, we've seen him suit up for six different teams. These are namely the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. His most notable seasons were when he played for Denver, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. He was an All-Star at the time.
The Legendary Center was a traditional big man who focused mainly on defense and securing rebounds for his teams. In the 1995-96 season, Mutombo averaged 11 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks. That was his all-time high in career blocks average. He was always known for swatting shots and his signature finger wag after denying each shot.
His all-time high in career scoring average was when first entered the league with the Nuggets in 1991. Mutombo added 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and three blocks, which made him eligible to become an All-Star in his rookie season. He was a freak of nature from the get-go and continuously dominated in the center position.
Thanks to his impeccable performances throughout his career, Dikembe Mutombo achieved a long list of accolades. He has eight All-Star selections, three All-NBA selections, six All-Defensive Team selections and four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
It was after his time with the Sixers that we witnessed his career slowly declining. In the 2001-02 season, not only was it his last season with Philly, but it was also his last season as an All-Star. We never saw Mutombo put up double figures again after he moved to the New Jersey Nets.
To be fair, he was already 36 years old at that point, which is normally the age where you start to decline. Not everyone can be like LeBron James, who plays like he is in his prime every year.
Dikembe Mutombo was one of the toughest centers the league has ever witnessed. If he could battle it out for the rebound and blocks, we're positive that he can beat cancer as well. Prayers up to Mutombo and his family.
