NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has died of brain cancer at the age of 58.

The eight-time NBA All-Star, who retired in 2009, played 18 years in the league for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor in October 2022.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

“On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in NBA history. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

The 7-foot-2, DR Congo-born center Mutombo was discovered while attending Georgetown University and was selected by the Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft.

His warm personality and signature finger-wagging party made him a fan favorite.

He reached the NBA Finals twice, first for the 76ers in 2001 and then for the Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) two years later.

Known for his defensive play, he led the NBA in blocked shots for five consecutive seasons and blocks per game for a record three consecutive seasons.

After his retirement, both the Hawks and Nuggets retired his number 55 jersey and in 2015 he was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame.

Mutombo was a global ambassador for the NBA and conducted humanitarian work in his home country.

“He loved what the game of basketball could do to positively impact communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and across the African continent,” Silver added.

“He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep, booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”