The 1st of September signals the start of spring in the southern hemisphere but in 2015 in Atlanta it signaled Dikembe Mutombo Day. The legend was honoured by the City of Atlanta for his work on and off the court.
On the 11th of September 2015 the former centre will be inducted into the hall of fame but the celebrations have started in earnest. Mutombo, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1966, has seen his influence in the NBA remain long after his retirement. It’s still felt today. He played at various franchises in the league, excelling at the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.
He was honoured by the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves and the Fulton County Commissioners. They all ensured that his achievements at the Hawks would be remembered for time immemorial. At the event in Fulton County it was announced that his number 55 jersey would be retired. A huge honour for a huge personality.
Mutombo played for the Atlanta Hawks between 1996 and 2001 and was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. His efforts while in action and away from the basketball court have made him a mega-star in the global game, with his humanitarian work marking him out as a tremendous ambassador for the game.
His surprise appearance alongside another African legend Hakeem Olajuwon at the NBA Africa Game 2015 was a highlight of the sporting year. Both he and his former adversary rolled back the years in Johannesburg in some style. It was a reminder of just how popular he still is. He might not be wagging his finger at opponents any more but that image will live on for many more years to come.
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