NEW YORK — Dikembe Mutombo is joining the NBA as a global ambassador.
The league announced Mutombo's hiring to the newly created position Tuesday, with commissioner David Stern calling the eight-time All-Star "one of sports' outstanding humanitarians."
Besides being a four-time defensive player of the year, Mutombo is known for his charitable work. He opened a hospital and research center in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and is the only two-time winner of the league's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, given for "outstanding service and dedication to the community."
Mutombo, who retired last season after 18 years in the league, will work on numerous international events and programs, including the Basketball without Borders camps.
