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Last Tuesday, I saw one of the all-time great basketball competitors, Dikembe Mutombo, have his career ended in a horrific knee injury against the Portland Trailblazers. After 18 years in the NBA, and many memorable moments in big spots, Mutombo will remembered by most for his classic finger waving after a blocked shot. Others will remember the sheer emotion displayed by Mutombo after the Denver Nuggets shocked the basketball world, and defeated the Seattle Supersonics in the first round of the 1994 NBA Playoffs.
Mutombo’s career was one where he saw his role change, and he adapted to each and every one. He entered the NBA as the face of a franchise for the Denver Nuggets, and led a young Nuggets team to playoff heights that many did not expect. Later, Mutombo would head to Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, New Jersey, New York, and Houston. There were two times that the four time Defensive Player of the Year made an appearance in the NBA Finals, with the Sixers and Nets. Both times, however, his team came up short.
His career stats are not overwhelming(9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks), yet his presence on the court altered an opponent’s offensive gameplan. One tell-tale sign of any Hall of Famer during their pro career though is if they were ever among the top three best players at their position at any point. Mutombo played at a time when centers were great and plentiful. You had Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O Neal who one can argue would be ahead of Mutombo on a list of best players during his time. While his work on the floor may not blow someone away, the NBA will miss what Mutombo did off the court representing their company. Dikembe is one of the most giving celebrities of any industry, offering up millions of dollars to his native country to help his people have a better way of life. Those stories often don’t get the headlines, compared to if someone gets arrested, or has a contract dispute, and Mutombo never wanted to do anything for headlines. While I admire him for his giving heart and philanthropic nature, I believe Mutombo’s career comes up just short when stacking himself up for a Hall of Fame entry.
Video:
ESPN highlights Mutombo’s career:
Other Links:
Basketball-Reference.com argues the Mutombo for Hall of Fame vote
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