The late, great Dikembe Mutombo certainly made his impact on the league. The Hall of Famer was an 8-time All-Star, 4-time Defensive Player of the Year, and led the league in blocks three times in his career as he established himself as one of the better defensive players in the league in his 18 seasons.
He helped the Philadelphia 76ers reach the finals in 2001 after they acquired him in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks when he averaged 11.7 points and 12.4 rebounds along with 2.5 blocks to help the Sixers make the surge they did. He was a great player and an even better human being.
HoopsHype is ranking the top 20 centers in NBA history and Mutombo is ranked No. 20 on the list:
Dikembe Mutombo entered the NBA at the grand age of 25 and became one
of the most accomplished defensive players in NBA history with his ability to alter shots. Didn’t have much of an offensive game, yet still managed an 18-year career in the league thanks to his all-time shot-blocking ability and finishing prowess down low.
Mutombo was then named an All-Star in his lone full season in Philadelphia in 2001-02, the final of his career. He then played for the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets before retiring in 2009. He passed in September of 2024.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Former Sixers big man Dikembe Mutombo ranked No. 20 center in history
