Tuesday, September 1, 2015
It’s hard to miss Dikembe Mutombo. The 7ft. 2in., Congolese American and retired Atlanta Hawks player usually sticks out in a crowd. Not only for his height and infectious laugh but also for his humanitarian work.
Case in point, Mutombo was being honored at the Fulton County Government Center on Tuesday as the board of commissioners had decided to name Sept. 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County and an announcement by the Atlanta Hawks that they would be holding a jersey retirement ceremony for his jersey, Dikembe could not stay long. He had to catch a flight to do more humanitarian work in China. Just a normal day for the 18 season, 4 time defensive player of the year and 8 time NBA All Star.
Dikembe Mutombo waves to the crowd during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. JONATHAN PHILLIPS / SPECIAL
Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves (right) speaks during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (right) reacts to the announcement that his jersey number will be retired on November 24 as Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer claps during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo wipes tears from his eyes after the announcement that his jersey number will be retired on November 24 during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer (center) speaks during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (left) smiles as Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis read the proclamation naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (center) speaks during the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (right) signs autographs after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (left) goes in to hug Harry, the Atlanta Hawks mascot, after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (right) signs an autograph for Owen Ginsburg after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (left) poses for a photo as Harry, the Atlanta Hawks mascot, lifts Owen Ginsburg into the air after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (right) speaks with friends and fans after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.
Dikembe Mutombo (center) signs autographs after the celebration naming September 1 as Dikembe Mutombo Day in Fulton County at the Fulton County Government Center in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.