Dikembe Mutombo Says His Career is Over

Dikembe Mutombo, the 42-year-old center for the Houston Rockets, was injured during Game 2 of the team’s first round series against the Portland Trail Blazers. Following the contest, Mutombo said that his 18-year career in the NBA had come to an end.

During the first quarter, Mutombo was fighting for positions with Blazers rookie Greg Oden. After falling hard, Mutombo stayed on the ground in obvious pain. Once taken to the locker room, Mutombo said that he shed tears because he realized he had come to the end of the road.

The 7-foot-2 native of the Republic of the Congo, had a fantastic career. Among his achievements are four Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-Defensive teams and eight times on the All-Star team. In addition to the Rockets, Mutombo also played with the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks.

“Nobody ever thought,” said Mutombo after the game, “they’d be carrying the big guy out like a wounded soldier.”

Thanks for the memories, Dikembe Mutombo (Image: Newscom)