Denver Nuggets: TOP 10 All-Time Nuggets
By Wardell
Dikembe “Mt.” Mutombo
What he did: 12.9 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 3.8 BPG and a 3 time All-Star
Why he deserves this spot: Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, or as he’s better known as Dikembe Mutombo, was not only a beacon of hope for the Denver Nuggets in the ’90s, but also one for an entire continent as it pertains to basketball.
During his career, it was he, Manute Bol and Hakeem Olajuwon who represented basketball for almost all of Africa. They were all three incredibly charitable and outspoken in support of awareness for any of the war-torn regions in Africa, and their home nations.
Mutombo’s profound impact on the world as a humanitarian is part of why he has earned this spot on this list, but it’s not entirely why.
While off-the-court, he is arguably one of the greatest human beings on earth (remember this is an opinion article), on-the-court Mutombo was a feared and dominant player while in Denver.
He defended the paint like no other player had before, thriving off highlight blocks where he could capitalize with his signature finger wave and “No, no, no! Not in my house!”
His Denver Nuggets teams were probably the best example of unfulfilled potential in the team’s history. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t give us, as fans, incredible memories. Including arguably the greatest upset victory of all time.
On top of being a humanitarian and a legend on-the-court, Mutombo has since become somewhat of a cultural icon. With a signature shoe with Adidas, commercial with GEICO and his hilarious appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mutombo has quite possibly reached “star status”.
Next: No. 1