Dikembe Mutombo Inducted into Hall of Fame Tonight
By John Buhler
Dikembe Mutombo will forever be a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game of basketball following his induction ceremony tonight.
Dikembe Mutombo was one of the greatest shot blockers and low-post defenders in the game of basketball. Deke starred for many teams in his prolific NBA career, most notably with the Denver Nuggets and your Atlanta Hawks.
-= Related: Dikembe Mutombo to Have Number 55 Retired by Atlanta Hawks =-
While in Atlanta, Mount Mutombo earned Four NBA-All Star selections and Three NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards in his five stellar seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Deke is best known for his patented finger wag following a blocked shot and his 1994 Denver Nuggets team pulling off the greatest upset in NBA history, knocking off the #1 seeded Seattle SuperSonics down 0-2 in a best of five series.
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Mutombo was part of the legendary group of big men that played for fellow Hall of Famer HC John Thompson at Georgetown. Dikembe Mutombo joins Thompson, Patrick Ewing, and Alonzo Mourning as the bastions of those legendary collegiate teams.
Dikembe Mutombo will also have his number 55 jersey retired by the Atlanta Hawks in a special ceremony before the Hawks take on the rival Boston Celtics on November 24th at Philips Arena. Expect the Nuggets organization to follow suit here shortly, as Denver was other team Mutombo played for in his prime.
It has been nice to see players better known for their defensive prowess finally getting the recognition they deserve in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. I feel that Dennis Rodman‘s induction paved the way for great defenders like Dikembe Mutombo to become no-doubters with regard to the selection committee. Perhaps this helps players like Bruce Bowen or Shane Battier make their Hall of Fame case.
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Regardless, Dikembe Mutombo’s induction to the Hall of Fame stands on its own. He’s second on the NBA all-time list for blocked shots and won Four Defensive Player of the Year Awards. The Hall of Fame also accounts for collegiate dominance and off the field exploits.
Deke thrived for the Georgetown Hoyas and is arguably the greatest humanitarian to ever play the game of basketball. He’s responsible for so much good in the Democratic Republic of Congo for his countless philanthropic efforts in his home country. To earn Hall of Fame enshrinement, it’s about shining both on and off the court and Dikembe Mutombo was as good at both as anyone who has ever played the game of basketball. Congratulations, Dikembe! Well deserved!
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