Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo undergoing treatment for brain tumor, NBA announces

HOUSTON, Texas — Basketball Corridor of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is present process remedy in Atlanta for a mind tumor, the NBA introduced on Saturday.

Mutombo has been one of many NBA’s international ambassadors for years, and lately appeared at Corridor of Fame enshrinement occasions in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a pair of preseason video games in Saitama, Japan.

He additionally appeared with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an occasion within the Congo, Mutombo’s native nation, in August.

“He’s receiving the perfect care doable from a collaborative staff of specialists in Atlanta and is in nice spirits as he begins remedy,” Mutombo’s household mentioned in an announcement distributed by the NBA.

“Dikembe and his household ask for privateness throughout this time to allow them to deal with his care. They’re grateful to your prayers and good needs.”

The household didn’t launch every other particulars, together with what prompted the tumor being found.

“We all know he’ll method this problem with the identical willpower and grit which have made him a legend on and off the courtroom,” Atlanta Hawks principal proprietor Tony Ressler mentioned.

The 56-year-old spent 18 seasons within the NBA, enjoying for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets. The 7-foot-2 middle out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, four-time defensive participant of the 12 months, and three-time All-NBA choice, and went into the Corridor of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 factors and 10.3 rebounds per recreation for his profession.

The Related Press contributed to this report.