Has nothing to do with the NBA. Just a nice interview about life outside NBA. http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=11122 It would be plenty to be one of the greatest shot blockers in basketball history. But Dikembe Mutombo, 41, a center for the Houston Rockets, has dedicated his off-court time to humanitarian organizations ranging from CARE to UNICEF. The Georgetown University–educated polyglot (seven languages), who came to the United States on scholarship to study medicine, spoke with Condé Nast Traveler's Dorinda Elliott about why he gave $15 million to build a 300-bed hospital in his hometown, Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and what he learned from Nelson Mandela. CNT: Why do you do all this good work? Mutombo: Since I was a child, I wanted to make a difference. I decided that when I became rich, I would use some of my profits to do good, to be part of change, maybe inspire people. CNT: What were some of the most moving moments in your humanitarian work? Mutombo: I took a trip with CARE from Nairobi to the border of Kenya. We were in the middle of nowhere, and you could see refugees coming across the border from Somalia. We watched children die after walking for days and days. We were distributing food, and we thought we were doing some good. But in a situation like that, you just don't know if what you are doing is enough. CNT: What impact do you think your hospital will have? Mutombo: It's already having an impact just by being built. It gives a lesson to people who might be hesitant about contributing to the lives of others: This shows them that we can be part of the solution. Everybody said this can't be built by one person. Most people said forget it. But I said let's try. CNT: What do you think of the celebrity do-gooder thing? Angelina, Brad—everybody is out saving the world. Mutombo: I think it's so good. I hope we can use our fame and a little bit of our fortune to touch the lives of others. We've been blessed. We should now bless others. CNT: You spend a lot of time on the road. Do you like it? Mutombo: I have a passion for travel. I love to see the world and learn the history of other cultures. Every year, my children and I take a trip to South America or Europe. They love southern France. You can get on a boat and cruise the Mediterranean. Daddy leaves the phone behind. It's great to get away from everybody. CNT: So for you, travel is a form of escape? Mutombo: Travel is a way for me to reflect more on myself, on what I want to accomplish, and a chance to connect with my kids. CNT: What about Congo as a destination? Mutombo: Congo is known for its beautiful mountains and nature. We have so many national parks with wild animals. Without the conflict of recent years [between the government and rebel forces], many people would have visited. Kinshasa has started enjoying a peaceful climate, and money has been flowing in. It's sad to see that violence has broken out again recently. But someday I hope to show my children the hospital I built. CNT: What's been your most instructive travel experience? Mutombo: I went to South Africa in 1992 and learned about apartheid. Nelson Mandela had just been released, and we met with him in a secret place and visited the prison where he had lived. There were people who didn't want him to come to power, and his supporters were moving him every night to different safe places. From that trip, I learned a lot about struggle and freedom. We take so much for granted. People think of travel for work or play, but it can also be a lesson that will change your life.
Gotta love Deke. A real role model who knows how to make a difference. This should speak volumes about his character and why he belongs on our team for as long as he wants.
I completely disagree. You cant just keep guys on your team, because of their attitude, and off court life. Eventually you have to move on. He cant just stay as long as he wants. If that was the case, flying Ryan Bowen would still be here.
That is just wrond. You are trying to compare Deke to freaking Ryan Bowen ? Mutombo saved us last season when Yao went out. Get a clue.
On the contrary, Deke has proven himself on the court in more ways than Bowen could ever hope to. That's experience that our other players can learn from. Not to mention the old guy is still producing these days..check out last season. If it was up to me, I'd keep Mutombo on staff as a coach or consultant after he decides to retire, if only to keep his good heart close to the organization.
How many games in a row did Deke get 10+ rebounds? More than Yao... Yes I know Yao does a lot of other things on defense.. I don't think there's a better backup at the Centre position in the NBA other than maybe Zo.. We should definitely keep Deke
Not only is Mutombo still a competitor / warrior role model for the younger set, he is a team contributor who earns every nickel of his money. But even if he weren't, I'd still go into the season with 14 roster spots to keep him on the team. There are too many thugs in the NBA and not enough truly good men like Deke. (And I don't need a smiley for the 14 roster spot statement.)
Do not know the guy Butler, who is a good enough for a backup center, but one more year for Deke is fine for me at least, not more than that. Rox need a young, quick center besides Yao for the title. Hope Deke can get a ring next year, then retire.
Deke is awesome, what a great guy! I hope the Rockets re-sign him! If they dont he'd make a great broadcaster!
Deke should run for Governer. Dikembe Mutombo vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 2016 presidential election. It would be an epic battle of pronounciation, linguistics, and rhetoric!
Amidst all of this terrible activity in sports right now between Vick and Donaghy, it warms me to see a man like Deke doing what he does. Everyone who's a little depressed by the sports world right now should read about him to lift their spirits.
