In a heartfelt tribute on SiriusXM NBA Radio, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on the profound legacy of Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, emphasizing his pivotal role as the league’s Global Ambassador. Silver’s remarks not only celebrated Mutombo’s illustrious career but also highlighted his unwavering dedication to fostering community and global outreach both during and after his playing days.
“To his credit, I think it was more us seeing what he was doing, you know, rather than him coming to us necessarily. I mean, it was clear, I mean, he had such a long playing career, but he was often, you know, Brian, you know, as a player, I mean, a lot of times guys are volunteering to do these summer trips, the basketball without border trips, etc.”
“I mean, he was, he was just always raising his hand. I mean, he was well known in the league office as someone that whether we just needed somebody to go to the Boys and Girls Club or accept an award on behalf of the league or travel in the summer, you always knew he was on speed dial. He always said yes.”
“And I think I remember even Rose even saying to him, you’re overdoing it. I mean, seemingly he never needed to sleep. He would just always find time to do whatever you needed him to do.”
“But I think then post playing career, I remember David Stern, who had a really close relationship with Dikembe as well, created a position we’d never had at the league before. And he was our global ambassador. And we used to joke a little bit, I think, before. And I think you go back to the press release. He literally was called the global ambassador.”
“But before that, we used to all call him Mr. Ambassador, because he was just like an ambassador. It’s just the same way that President Bush gravitated towards him. He just had that air about him. You know, and he spoke multiple languages. He was just so worldly.”
“You know, he’d gone to Georgetown, which is a great, you know, foreign relations school, had lived in Washington, D.C. You know, so he came, you know, sort of, you know, just, you know, he came to our attention really just through all the acts he did, but then David formalized that role.”
“And that continued up till the present. I mean, when I became, before David left, obviously when I was deputy commissioner and stuff, I worked with him all the time. But then when I became commissioner, we kept him in that role.”
“He wanted to do it as the quote, global ambassador of the league. I just love the title because I think the last many years, I sort of only like, it was sort of a joke between us, but he was always Mr. Ambassador wherever we went. And I would introduce him as, you know, Ambassador Mutombo.”
Silver began by recounting Mutombo’s intrinsic commitment to the NBA’s philanthropic efforts. This sentiment underscores Mutombo’s proactive nature in contributing to the league’s initiatives without waiting for formal invitations. Throughout his career, Mutombo was a beacon of generosity and leadership, frequently volunteering for summer trips, such as the Basketball Without Borders programs, and participating in various community service activities.
This description paints a picture of Mutombo as the go-to person for any league-related charitable events, embodying the spirit of an ambassador through his consistent and enthusiastic participation. Silver also highlighted Mutombo’s relentless energy and dedication. This not only showcases Mutombo’s tireless work ethic but also his humility and willingness to support his peers and the league in any capacity.
The conversation took a significant turn as Silver delved into the formalization of Mutombo’s ambassadorial role. This official title was a natural extension of what Mutombo had already been embodying.
Mutombo’s multilingual abilities and worldly perspective further enhanced his effectiveness as a Global Ambassador. These attributes allowed Mutombo to connect with diverse communities and represent the NBA on a global stage with ease and authenticity. Silver’s admiration for Mutombo extended beyond his formal role. Even as Silver transitioned from Deputy Commissioner to Commissioner, Mutombo remained a cornerstone of the league’s ambassadorial efforts.
Adam Silver’s tribute encapsulates the essence of Dikembe Mutombo’s impact on the NBA. Mutombo was not just a dominant force on the court but also a compassionate and dedicated representative off it. His legacy as the league’s first Global Ambassador is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference, fostering community spirit, and promoting basketball worldwide.
Mutombo’s passing leaves a significant void in the NBA, but his contributions continue to inspire players, fans, and league officials alike. His role as Global Ambassador set a standard for future athletes to engage meaningfully with their communities and the world, ensuring that his legacy will endure long after his playing days have ended.
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