Dikembe Mutombo: A Giant That Rose Above The Rest

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Iconic NBA big man Dikembe Mutombo died of brain cancer on Monday at the age of 58. 

Tributes poured in around the league. Mutombo played for six teams during his nearly two decades in the NBA, and left a huge impression at every stop. Raptors president Masai Ujiri offered some beautiful words about his passing, as did Mutombo’s son, Ryan.

Mutombo was, in all ways, a giant. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he was the NBA’s first global ambassador, making it his mission to platform Africa on the world stage. A dedicated philanthropist, his foundation re-invested his NBA earnings into building a hospital and school in his hometown, and fighting disease across the continent. Mission accomplished.

Dikembe’s impact was felt well beyond the court as he became a cultural icon. His finger-wagging celebration was a signature move for any kid growing up in the ‘90s who stuffed their buddy’s shot, whether on the court or tossing paper into a trash can.

@checkuptv

#TBT Dikembe Mutombo in a Classic Geico Commercial🤣 @GEICO #ForTheLoveOfTheGame #dikembemutombo #geico #commercial #commercials #foryou #f... See more

His energy was simply unmatched.

NBA Media Day is one of the internet’s favorite holidays, birthing memes, fire photos, tweets, and posts. OffBall asked some of our fave follows on NBA Twitter to share their highlights.

These are the posts that got our favorite posters excited. If you're not following them, you’re already late.

@CountOnVic didn’t hesitate: “The usual Kawhi humor on media day. He’s undefeated.”

The new instant-meme odd couple of Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul received an honorable mention from Vic.

@LaJethroJenkins is happy to have Lonzo Ball back on the court after two years of injuries: “People were talking about him never playing again. Really excited to see him back and healthy again.”

@Travonne loved Jakob Poetl’s “realistic honesty” when he said the quiet part out loud. 

And the NBA Twitter King himself @KingJosiah54 had this LeBron shoutout: “Seeing him balance being Bronny’s Lakers teammate and a proud dad—it’s both heartwarming and inspiring.”