“An incredible basketball player”: Former POTUS Barack Obama offers rich tribute to the late Dikembe Mutombo

Former POTUS Barack Obama had a rich tribute to the late Dikembe Mutombo who passed away on Monday (Sep. 30 ) aged 58. The Hall of Famer died from brain cancer, and as condolences poured from across the world, Obama was one of the massive names reacting to the tragic news.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Obama wrote:

“Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best-shot blockers and defensive players of all time. But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court. Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him.”

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Mutombo was selected as the fourth pick in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. He ended his career as an 8x All-Star, and his relentless, high-motor shot-blocking saw him win the Defensive Player of the Year award four times. He led the NBA in blocks for five seasons and retired as the second player in the league’s all-time shots blocked list.

Joel Embiid and the 76ers mourn Dikembe Mutombo’s death

Earlier, Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid shared his thoughts on Dikembe Mutombo’s death during Media Day. According to Yahoo! Sports, the former MVP said:

“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans. Other than what he accomplished on the court, I think he was better off the court. He’s one of the guys I look up to, as far as having an impact.”

Also calling him a “great human being” was Sixers GM Daryl Morey.

“I knew him personally. We were together for many seasons, and he’s obviously important to the Sixers franchise as well. There aren’t many guys like him. Just a great human being. When I was a rookie GM in this league, my first chance in Houston, he was someone I went to all the time. Obviously his accomplishments on the court… but an amazing human being – what he did off the court, for Africa. Rest in peace, Dikembe.”

It wasn’t just Embiid and Morey, as LeBron James shared a heartfelt memory when he faced off against the forward during his Cleveland Cavaliers days. The 4x NBA champion remembered the time he was elbowed and fractured in the face, but fondly remembered the All-Star and lauded him for his contribution to the sport.