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Deke says his career is over

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by ItsMyFault, Apr 22, 2009.

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ItsMyFault Contributing Member

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It's on the frontpage of Clutchfans

Dikembe Mutombo was jockeying for position with Greg Oden on a rebound late in the first quarter Tuesday night, and in an instant everything changed.

Mutombo, who has been a defensive spark for the Rockets for 5 seasons, fell to the floor. He grabbed his knee and rolled around in obvious pain.

The Rockets said it was a knee strain, but you knew it was more than that. An emotional Mutombo confirmed it after the game when asked if his season was over.

"No," said Mutombo. "It's over for me for my career.

"I might need surgery," said Mutombo. "I'm going to be around for as far as we can go in the championship run. I'll be with my teammates in support and give them the same love that they give to me, but for me, basketball... it's over."

Mutombo said he was very disappointed, but put it in perspective.

"I cried so much about it when I was laying on the floor," said Mutombo. "But when I got in the locker room, kids talked about I need to be positive and thank God for the wonderful 18 years I had."

It's a huge blow to the Rockets for this playoff run, but even that seems too small of a description ... this is loss is much bigger than just that.

Deke came to the Rockets in 2004 having been discarded by the Knicks and Bulls for virtually nothing. His career was supposedly over then and he shocked everyone by becoming a key piece of a very strong defensive team in Houston. Year after year, Deke came back and showed he still had it.

His patented finger-wag after a blocked shot made him a massive fan favorite, but is more than just a player. His charity work and Herculean efforts in building a hospital in Africa are practically legendary now.

Great player. Great man. Dikembe Mutombo -- so painful to see you go out like this, but you will be sorely missed in Houston.
Click to expand...

http://www.clutchfans.net/news/1528/mutombo_says_career_is_over/

#1 ItsMyFault, Apr 22, 2009
Last edited: Apr 22, 2009

smoothie Jabari Jungle

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sad day for basketball.

#2 smoothie, Apr 22, 2009
IROC it Contributing Member

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Crap. Say it ain't so, Deke.... Say it ain't so.

#3 IROC it, Apr 22, 2009
WhoMikeJames Contributing Member

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Damn.

#4 WhoMikeJames, Apr 22, 2009
Landlord Landry Member

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Tears........

Most favorite humans ever:

1. Jesus
2. Grandma
3. Dikembe Mutombo

#5 Landlord Landry, Apr 22, 2009
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Gonna miss the big guy. Let's hope we can draw some inspiration from his loss.

#6 Ismail, Apr 22, 2009
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this is really devastating news for the rockets as a whole. he was our leader! hopefully he will still be able to be there on the bench

#7 bamtonio, Apr 22, 2009

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I drank a shot for the big guy when he went down.

He's been a real warrior and a real presence for this team for the past few years, and he's a true humanitarian. Very sad to see it end like this.

Rockets will win for Dikembe.

#8 MisterPink, Apr 22, 2009
Coach AI Contributing Member

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Damn.

You were awesome, Deke. Rockets are gonna miss him.

#9 Coach AI, Apr 22, 2009
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Thank you for your play and charitable work off the court. A true human all the way.

#10 John232, Apr 22, 2009
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deke is still gonna be rooting from the sidelines. Now time to respond mothafukas

#11 ferrarif1286, Apr 22, 2009
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This is no question the WORST way possible for one to end a career, especially one as sparkling as Deke...

#12 Jaingfang, Apr 22, 2009
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Great player, great person~

sad to see him go w/o a ring

#13 rodmanhust, Apr 22, 2009

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Really sad

#14 hunter399, Apr 22, 2009
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Devastating.

#15 Ashes, Apr 22, 2009
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damn.. Deke I'm glad that we had a player like you.. I'll miss you.
ugh now I feel even worse going to bed

#16 dmc89, Apr 22, 2009
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All the best with deke!

#17 chill8, Apr 22, 2009
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Mutumbo went down fighting for the ball in a tight playoff game. You can't ask for a better way to go than that for a warrior like him.

#18 Browny, Apr 22, 2009

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rodmanhust said:

Great player, great person~

sad to see him go w/o a ring
Click to expand...

not so fast......

#19 Landlord Landry, Apr 22, 2009
Baqui99 Contributing Member

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MisterPink said:

I drank a shot for the big guy when he went down.

He's been a real warrior and a real presence for this team for the past few years, and he's a true humanitarian. Very sad to see it end like this.

Rockets will win for Dikembe.
Click to expand...

Good work. We should all pay our respects to Deke and throw down a shot.

#20 Baqui99, Apr 22, 2009

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