Over the years, the NBA has been graced by countless legends who dazzled the world with their brilliance. Among them, Dikembe Mutombo stands tall—both literally and figuratively. A defensive powerhouse, Mutombo racked up 3,289 career blocks, averaging 2.8 per game, along with 10 points and 10 rebounds per night across six teams. But it wasn’t just his eight All-Star appearances or eye-popping stats that earned him universal respect—it was his heart for humanity that truly set him apart.

Mutombo wanted to give something back to his homeland, but even he didn’t see the hardships he would have to face to get this small wish fulfilled. In 1997, he started building the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital near Kinshasa. Despite giving $15 million of the $29 million cost himself, the journey was anything but easy. Even with no help expected from the state, he faced delays, funding gaps, and political red tape. Still, his mission was clear. “People in my country are dying,” he had said. “And I want to save them.” And so, after over a decade, the hospital officially opened its doors in 2007.

Years later, his efforts were remembered by Ohio basketball Hall of Famer Jim Jackson. While speaking with Forbes’ Jabari Young, Jackson shared how Mutombo’s passion left an impact. “He opened up his hospital. He’s from there. But how difficult it was for him to actually— And he just wanted to do a hospital to help his community and people get health care,” Jackson said. But even for someone born there, the road was filled with obstacles. “Here’s somebody that wants to give back and give health care, and the challenges that he had to go through to get that done— It blew me away,” he added. Jackson admitted it shook him how hard it was for Mutombo to give back to his own people.

So when Jabari Young asked Jackson where he would invest, his answer came with hesitation. “Africa,” he said after a pause, noting its massive potential. But Jackson also pointed out a major problem: stability. “It’s the stabilization part of it, though,” he explained, referring to unreliable governments and shaky infrastructure. In his words, “But the instability of the government also lends itself to speculation. You know, but if I could really be safe… Africa would be it. No question about it.” Despite Africa’s natural wealth, Jackson stressed that until systems improve, investing remains a risk.

Dikembe Mutombo’s legacy lives on, both on and off the court

Dikembe Mutombo passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 58, after a long fight with brain cancer. The NBA shared that he was surrounded by his family when he died. Most people remember him for his fierce defense and signature finger wag, but those who knew him best talk more about his heart than his blocks. “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

His son Ryan spoke with emotion, saying, “He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real.” Mutombo’s kindness was as steady as his presence on the court. The towering 7-footer made people feel seen, whether they were teammates, fans, or children in need.

Michael Jordan said it best: “Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa.” From building hospitals to promoting health care and education in the Congo, Mutombo never forgot where he came from. Even after becoming an eight-time All-Star, he remained grounded in service. The man showed how to be selfless and take care of the less fortunate.

Mutombo showed it’s in how you lift others up along the way that matters more than any accolade or money. And for Mutombo, that was always the point.