I second this. Dikembe's impact has been far greater than just calling him a "backup center." He has been a mentor, coach, father-figure, peacemaker, and spokesman for our team. Off the court, he has been a great humanitarian and role model. While a member of the Rockets, Dikembe has accomplished the following: -Completed his mission of building a hospital in his home country, Congo. -Saluted as a guest of honor by the US President at the State of the Union Address. -Solicited and encouraged donations of time and money of others to help in Africa (Tracy McGrady, Les Alexander, and many others). -Become the NBA's second all-time leading shot blocker -Become the oldest NBA player to gather 20+ rebounds in a game Dikembe absolutely deserves to have his number retired as a Houston Rocket.
131 signatures so far.....keep them coming!!!! hoping to get 1000 before I forward it on to the organization..
If I had my way his # would be retired in every arena as an example to what every human being should strive toward.
Has there been a more inspiring Rocket on this team since the glory days? I was continually stunned at what he was able to do at his age when Yao went out. I say he deserves it. Honestly, I think it would be just as much an honor for the Rockets to be able to retire his jersey.
exactly there are very few people in this world like Deke, let alone basketball players he deserves any and all accolades coming to him. Its sad i think a lot of us, including myself took him for granted on the bench. Its really sad now to think he wont be around wagging his finger on the court anymore
No need to petition, they're going to retire his jersey. I cannot find the quote but Mutombo said last year in an interview when they asked about his number being retired that the Rockets have vowed to do it, as well as the Hawks and Nuggets; he hadn't heard from the 76ers yet. I know this 100% sure.
Mutombo has meant so much to the league beyond basketball, I would honestly be ok with them retiring his number league-wide. It would set a good example for other players and the image of the league.
I've noticed a lot of your posts lately...and not in a good way Add this one as well. Clyde is from Houston, played at UH and came to a team that was going nowhere and helped propel us to an NBA championship...not to mention the fact that he was one of the best players at his position in his era. I understand that his limited time here on the downside of his career could be considered as unworthy of having a number retired, but he is a Houston sports icon and helped a 47 win team go through one of the toughest playoff schedules and destroy the Magic.
He Spend 4 years in Denver, 4 Years in Atlanta, and 4 Years in Houston with a short stint in Philly and NJ
Signed. Here's the comments I left on my petition.. Deke has earned our respects both on AND off the court. Very few players in the NBA can do both at such a dramatic level. He may not have won a championship with the Rockets but his impact can be felt from here to Africa. We love you Deke!
I love Deke, but like a previous poster said, I don't think he ever did enough to warrant his jersey being retired. There's already a jersey up there that shouldn't be. Yes, Clyde. Like Mutombo, I love the guy, but no way should his jersey be retired. It's almost an insult to players that devoted their entire careers to the Rockets (i.e. Rudy T, Calvin Murphy).
It is sad yes but Deke hasn't done anything in Houston really to have his number retired. Denver and Philadelphia are the teams who should really decide if they want his number retired. In the future when you say Mutombo your not going to think of him as a Rocket.
His best numbers were in Denver and Atlanta but his greatest influence has been with the rockets so i hope the rockets retire his number.... IT was sooo sad to see Deke go down like that and cry and i can only imagine he will be crying again tonight receiving his award and A ROWDY OVATION tonight from all the rocket fans... wish i could be there
Jersey retiring isn't for what you did off the court. It's for what you did on the court of a tragic death. Neither happened in Deke's case. Retiring his number would devalue the other jersey's hanging up there. I love Deke, but this is what the Hall of Fame is for. No one will ever think of the Rockets when they think of Mutombo.
Are u serious? Deke is an inspiration to anyone.... his emotion, his effort, he puts everything on the line when he plays... When the whole world was watching on our historic 22 game win streak, who was in the middle of it DEKE WAS!!! Why did this organization trade francis away? for DEKE!!! EVERYONE loves DEKE
