Dikembe

Mutombo

According to the NBA, Mutombo passed away on Monday surrounded by family. The fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, he won four Defensive Player of the Year awards and earned eight All-Star Game appearances and three All-NBA selections. A three-time blocks and two-time rebounds champion, Mutombo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2015. He was also known for his humanitarian work away from the court, with the NBA awarding Mutombo with the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001 and 2009. Mutombo built multiple hospitals and made numerous contributions to his native Democratic Republic of Congo and the world. Among the groups Mutombo worked with were the Special Olympics and CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere).

Capela had six blocks in the first half alone, putting together a ridiculous encore performance after a career night on Wednesday that included 27 points and a career-high 26 rebounds. He’s now the first Hawks player with a triple-double including blocks since Dikembe Mutombo accomplished the feat in 2000. Teammate John Collins summed it up nicely, saying after Wednesday’s performance, "[Capela] is beasting down there right now. No other way to put it.” He’s grabbed double-digit rebounds in 12 straight games and the Hawks clearly aren’t worried about his workload, playing him monster minutes and both ends of a recent back-to-back. Fantasy managers are laughing all the way to the bank.

Mutombo for Eric Piatkowski might work for the Bulls, but the Rockets keep on trying to throw in unwanted salary-cap filler. It’s still possible that something will get worked out.

''He is our starting center,’' Scott said. ''There will come a time, maybe with two games left or two games into the playoffs, when it happens.’'

Mutombo said the wrist feels fine -- it just needs strengthening -- and he hopes to return in a few weeks.

A buyout clause is included in the third year. Mutombo is expected to make his Knicks debut tomorrow against the Timberwolves.

Mutombo is looking at March 19 for his return, although he is not expected to have much of a role.

With Vin Baker on board now, Mutombo’s return has been pushed back indefinitely, though he did show up at practice yesterday.

Mutombo attended his first game last night since lower abdominal surgery two weeks ago. He thinks he can play “next week.”

“I just want to get into basketball mode,” Mutombo said after yesterday’s practice. “I hope they can give me a chance. I just don’t want to wait until playoff time and come back and play.” It’s probably not worth your while to use Mutombo, since his minutes are sure to be limited as he gets into condition.