Dikembe Mutombo (56) suffers from a brain tumor. The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced this in a statement on behalf of Mutombo and his family. The former basketball star is considered one of the best defensive players in the history of the professional league.

Mutombo is suffering from a brain tumor and is currently undergoing appropriate treatment, the statement said. He was confident at the beginning of the treatment and received the best possible care from a team of specialists in Atlanta. The basketball star and his family are asking for privacy so they can focus on his care. At the same time, they are grateful for prayers and well-wishes.

Also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, Mutombo was active in the NBA between 1991 and 2009. During his career he played for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, among others. Mutombo has won multiple awards for the best defensive player in the league.