Dikembe Mutombo, a dominant force in the NBA, left behind a remarkable legacy both on and off the court, with a net worth of $75 million at the time of his passing in 2024.
Known for his incredible shot-blocking and defensive prowess, Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA for six teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets.
His eight All-Star selections and four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards solidified his status as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Standing at 7’2″, Mutombo was a nightmare for opponents in the paint. His career averages of 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game underscored his dominance, while his signature finger-wagging gesture after blocking shots became iconic.
His contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Earnings and Contracts
Over his career, Mutombo earned over $143 million in salary alone, along with millions more from endorsements.
His most lucrative deals included a five-year, $56 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks in 1996 and a four-year, $65 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001.
His highest-paid season was in 2001-02, earning $16.25 million with the 76ers. After his playing days, Mutombo continued to appear in commercials, including his famous 2013 Geico ad.
Off the court, Mutombo was a renowned humanitarian. In 1997, he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve living conditions in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
His most significant project was the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, a $29 million facility in Kinshasa, providing much-needed healthcare services.
His charitable work earned him the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001 and 2009 and the President’s Service Award in 1999.
Atlanta Hawks center Dikembe Mutombo (55) after a Hawks’ basket during NBA playoff game with Detorit Pistons in 1999MARCA
Personal Life and Real Estate
Mutombo met his wife, Rose, during a visit to Kinshasa in 1995. They married in 1996 and had seven children.
He also invested in real estate, purchasing a mansion in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in 2002 for $6.06 million and an apartment in New York City in 2013.
Dikembe Mutombo passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 58 after battling brain cancer.
His legacy as a basketball legend and humanitarian will continue to inspire future generations, as his impact on and off the court remains unforgettable.
