The Hawks could hardly not have a thought for Dikembe Mutombo as they began their season. On Wednesday, against the Nets, the Georgia franchise, whose former pivot wore the colors between 1996 and 2001, will pay a first tribute to Dikembe Mutombo, who died on September 30 at the age of 58. A ” moment of silence » will be respected at State Farm Arena announcement Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Lauren Williamsciting an NBA source. A “1966-2024” banner will also be added to the one already present in the heights of the room with his jersey removed.
Under the colors of the Hawks, the player of Congolese origin cemented his place among the best defenders of his generation, winning two of his four Defender of the Year titles (1997, 1998) and playing in the All-Star Game at three times. Dikembe Mutombo died following a brain tumor, detected in 2022, leaving the memory of one of the fiercest blockers in history, signing his flights with a waved index finger to better signal that no, we would not attack not his circle like that.
The Hawks will organize a full match in November in memory of their former glory, says Lauren Williams. This Wednesday, this first memory will take place in front of part of his family, in particular his wife Rose.
