The Atlanta Hawks are pulling out all the stops to honor one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. On Monday night, when the Hawks take on the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena, the team will pay tribute to the late Dikembe Mutombo with an array of special remembrances highlighting his immeasurable impact both on and off the court.
A Finger Wag for the Ages
Central to the evening’s ceremonies will be the debut of a new court decal bearing Mutombo’s iconic silhouette, captured in his signature finger-wagging pose. This gesture, which became synonymous with the 7’2″ center’s shot-blocking prowess, will now be a permanent fixture on the Hawks’ sideline, a fitting tribute to the man who patrolled the paint with unrivaled intensity.
The decal premiere coincides with the unveiling of a special hardwood court design that mirrors the team’s blue and white City Edition uniforms, creating a visually striking backdrop for this momentous occasion.
No, No, No
Mutombo’s presence will be felt in more ways than one. Every time a Hawks player records a blocked shot, the arena will reverberate with a booming audio clip of the Hall of Famer’s famous “No, No, No” catchphrase, instantly transporting fans back to the glory days of his rim-protecting reign.
Before tip-off, players will don special shooting shirts adorned with Mutombo’s indelible finger wag, a sartorial tribute to the team legend. This small but poignant gesture ensures that his spirit will be with them as they take the court.
Honoring a Legacy
At halftime, a stirring video montage will celebrate Mutombo’s far-reaching influence, spotlighting not only his on-court accomplishments but also his tireless humanitarian work. The Mutombo family will be recognized during this segment, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the man who meant so much to so many.
The Mutombo family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tony Ressler, Jami Gertz, Grant Hill, Steve Koonin and the entire Atlanta Hawks organization. Your tribute to Dikembe’s incredible basketball career with the Hawks, and his humanitarian work both in Atlanta and globally, means the world to us.
Dikembe had a special bond with the Hawks and his devoted fans.
– The Mutombo Family
A Prolific Career
Mutombo’s Atlanta tenure, spanning from 1996 to 2001, saw him establish himself as one of the most formidable defensive forces in league history. His 343 games with the Hawks produced a franchise-record 2.1 blocks per game, cementing his status as a fan favorite and earning him the third spot on the team’s all-time blocks list.
- Mutombo leads Hawks franchise with 2.1 blocks per game
- Ranks 3rd in total blocks for Atlanta with 728
- 2nd in NBA history with 3,289 career blocks
A four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo’s shot-blocking brilliance extended well beyond his time in Atlanta. He swatted away a staggering 3,289 shots over his 18-year career, the second-highest total in NBA history. His defensive dominance earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Forever in Atlanta
That same year saw the Hawks raise Mutombo’s No. 55 jersey to the rafters, ensuring that his legacy would forever be intertwined with the franchise he helped define. As he stood at center court, basking in the adulation of the Atlanta faithful, Mutombo reflected on the magnitude of the moment:
I don’t think I ever thought my jersey would be retired. My name will stay forever.
– Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta Hawks Jersey Retirement (2015)
Monday’s celebration serves as a poignant reminder of just how true those words ring. Through a series of thoughtful and creative tributes, the Hawks are ensuring that Dikembe Mutombo’s name, his image, and his indomitable spirit will indeed live on forever, a permanent fixture in the annals of Atlanta sports history.
As fans fill the stands and the current crop of Hawks players take the court, they will do so in the shadow of a giant, both literally and figuratively. They will play with the knowledge that they are part of a rich tapestry, one woven by the likes of Dikembe Mutombo, whose passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence set the standard for all who follow in his footsteps.
So when that first shot is sent back, and the echoes of “No, No, No” fill the arena, it will be more than just a catchphrase or a clever audio clip. It will be a rallying cry, a reminder of the man who gave so much to this team, this city, and this game. It will be a tribute to Dikembe Mutombo, forever a Hawk, forever a hero, forever an inspiration to us all.
