Just as the Denver Nuggets began their journey to play on the international stage, news broke Monday that the NBA's first Global Ambassador and former Nuggets player, Dikembe Mutombo, passed away. The Hall of Fame player who gained prominence with the Nuggets team after becoming the first eighth seed to beat a number one seed, went on to carve out a stellar career on the hardwood. Known for his defensive prowess, Mutombo was also a larger than life personality who gained notoriety for his humanitarian efforts.  

Two years ago, Mutombo's family announced his battle with brain cancer. At 58 years old, he lost that battle, passing on with his family by his side, the NBA announced. Just like his global impact on and off the court, his loss was also felt globally. Mutombo spent 18 years in the NBA.

"It's a sad day, especially for us Africans and really the whole world, because other than what he has accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court," Philadelphia 76'ers center Joel Embiid said. "He's one of the guys that I look up to as far as having an impact, not just on the court but off the court. He's done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine."

Mutombo's 3,289 blocks rank second all-time in NBA history, second only to fellow African Hakeem Olajuwon. His trademark finger-wag was his signature celebration after getting one of those thousands of blocks. 

"There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. "He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa."

"I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years -- with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation."

Mutombo was the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft from Georgetown, chosen by the  Denver Nuggets. He spent six years with the Nuggets before going to the Atlanta Hawks, the 76ers, the Nets, the Knicks, and the Houston Rockets. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. 

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