Print
Fond Farewell
Mutombo enjoying what is expected to be his final season
.
Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer
WASHINGTON -- Before leaving the nation's capital on Tuesday night, Dikembe Mutombo took a final lap around the Verizon Center following Houston's win over the Washington Wizards.
He wanted to savor one more special moment in his final season.
"It was good," Mutombo said with a giant grin. "This is where my career started from my college days (at Georgetown). This was my last game here. I got a chance to talk to some friends and family. I loved it."
Mutombo is simply enjoying every second of his farewell tour.
The Rockets reserve center is planning to retire following the season, ending what will be an impressive 17-year run through the NBA. But with at least three months remaining before he puts on a uniform for the last time, Mutombo is taking pleasure in his 30-city tour across the U.S.
Through the first two months of the season, Mutombo has already made stops at former stomping grounds -- Denver, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia -- and visited cities that hold special memories. During the next several weeks and months, Mutombo will be making even more stops before his career finally reaches its conclusion.
On Wednesday night, Mutombo will play inside Madison Square Garden one last time when the Rockets visit the New York Knicks. The center played one season with the Knicks and has countless memories inside one of the NBA's most historic arenas.
He'll enjoy his final visit to the Big Apple -- just like all the others.
"My teammates will tell you that Deke is having fun," Mutombo said. "I try to make sure every day -- especially when I'm away from my wife and kids -- that I connect myself with my teammates and my fans. I just try to step out of the hotel and get something to eat with the guys. I just want to enjoy this because it's not going to be around soon."
Mutombo, the league's oldest player at 41, almost retired after the Rockets' first-round playoff setback to the Utah Jazz last season. He was disappointed with his reduced role in the postseason as well as the team's earlier-than-expected exit.
But Mutombo changed his mind after a meeting with former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon. The former Rockets great urged Mutombo to return for one more season so that he didn't leave the game with a sour taste in his mouth.
Since that talk with Olajuwon, Mutombo has embraced his final run through the NBA. His teammates have noticed -- even if they'd prefer him to be around longer.
"It's sad that it's his last season because I've enjoyed playing the last three years with him," Rockets center Yao Ming said. "He's not just a teammate, he's like the older brother -- the oldest. He's a great role model for this team. He's always ready to play even though he hasn't gotten a lot of minutes."
Mutombo has so far appeared in 13 games this season, averaging 8.4 minutes. He mostly receives playing time when Yao has been slowed by foul trouble.
Still, the team's elder statesman has had his moments. During Houston's win over New York on Jan. 5, Mutombo provided a big lift in a mere seven minutes of action. He grabbed four rebounds and stuffed two shots. The two blocks were his first of the season.
"That was the first time he had a block in eight years," Rockets guard Steve Francis joked.
Mutombo's credentials, of course say, otherwise.
Despite seeing reduced minutes these days, the center has preserved his legacy as one of the game's greatest defenders and shot blockers. The eight-time All-Star is second on the NBA's all-time blocked shots list and is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Yao said he has learned a ton from Mutombo.
"I learn a lot from him," Yao said. "He's taught me how to prepare yourself in the game and how you should carry yourself. He hasn't really worked with me on skill. Mostly ,on mentality."
Mutombo is satisfied with what he has accomplished. While he'd still like to get his first championship ring, the center has done almost everything else that he set out to do.
"By the time I walk away from this game, I want to be remembered as one of the best shot blockers that ever played this game," Mutombo said. "I was actually reflecting today on my career and how I was able to play 16 years. I can say to myself, 'I did what I set out to do. I did what I told my fans I was going to do, which was to block as many shots as I can and grab as many rebounds as I can.' That's what I'm going to be remembered for. During my rookie season, I said I wanted to be the best rebounder and the best shot blocker. I'm going to make a lot of money doing it and I did it. I can leave this game and smile."
Mutombo promises this season will be his last because he assured his six children that he'd be spending more time at home.
He is certainly taking in every moment as if its his last.
"I'm enjoying this," Mutombo said.
