Mutombo Wags his Last Finger: Career is Over

“For me, basketball is over,” he said.

Mutombo, an 18-year NBA veteran, appeared to get tangled with Portland center Greg Oden and came down hard on his left leg late in the first quarter of Game 2 and did not return.

He stayed prone on the court under the Blazers’ basket for several moments before he was taken away by stretcher. A preliminary examination revealed a knee strain.

Afterward in Houston’s locker room, the 7-foot-2 veteran was on crutches and fighting back tears.

Mutombo's career is defined by his finger wagging, get that stuff out of my house defense. I didn't research it, but Mutombo has probably blocked more players shots than anyone...Today, so many people can say they've been rejected by Mount Mutombo.

My first real memories of Dikembe are of when his Nuggets defeated Gary Payton's Sonics in the first round (8 over a 1) of the NBA playoffs. Dikembe clutching the ball as he laid on his back, tears of joy streaming down his face.

Mutombo is an eight-time All-Star who won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award four times and stands in second on the NBA’s career blocks list with 3,289. He has played for Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Houston.

In 1,196 career games, Mutombo has averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

How could you not love this loveable giant? I'll wave my finger at you.