NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo was revealed to have a brain tumor at the age of 56.
Mutombo will receive treatment for the tumor, of which its cancerous nature is unknown, in Atlanta. The basketball association claimed he is in “great spirits” amid the treatment.
“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” the NBA said in a statement. “Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”
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“We’re all pulling for you, Dikembe,” the Denver Nuggets Twitter account wrote Saturday. Mutombo was initially drafted by the Nuggets in 1991.
“The Atlanta Hawks organization extends best wishes to Dikembe Mutombo for a full recovery as he begins treatment for a brain tumor,” owner Tony Ressler said in a statement. Mutombo played with the Hawks from 1995 to 1996. “We know he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that have made him a legend on and off the court. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Dikembe, Rose and their entire family.”
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Mutombo is an NBA Global Ambassador and was commemorated into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Across his 18-season career, he recorded 3,289 blocks, which is the second-most next to Hakeem Olajuwon’s record.
