Yao Ming: Deke Mutombo Is Like An Old Brother To Me

pryuen · Jan 9, 2008

Would like to dedicate this thread and pay tribute to the great Deke Mutombo as he had contributed alot to this team, and had been a great team mate, friend and comrade of Big Yao.

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/RocketsKnicks_Preview-251418-34.html

Monday January 7, 2008 11:12 AM

Mutombo takes farewell tour to New York

Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- Before leaving the Verizon Center on Tuesday night, Dikembe Mutombo took a final lap around the court 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 has been an impressive 16-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 final 29-city tour.

He'll play in Madison Square Garden one last time Wednesday night when the Rockets visit the New York Knicks.

"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, nearly 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 he changed his mind after a meeting with former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon. The Rockets star 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 that Mutombo is having fun -- even if they'd prefer him to be around even 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 model for this team. He's always ready to play even though he hasn't gotten a lot of minutes."

Mutombo has appeared in 13 games this season. He's averaged 8.4 minutes in those games, mainly receiving playing time when Yao has been slowed by foul trouble.

Still, he's 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.

"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.
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hotballa · Jan 9, 2008

please change title to OLDER brother. trust me.

Carl Herrera · Jan 9, 2008

hotballa said:

please change title to OLDER brother. trust me.
Click to expand...

Mutombo's been a old brother for some time now-- and it's not about to change, either. He's only getting older and there's no sign he'll ever stop being a brother.

bucket · Jan 9, 2008

Lol... I missed the "r" in the word "brother".

Though actually, the thread title is pretty funny as is.

Seriously, though, thanks for all the translations, pryuen!

krnxsnoopy · Jan 9, 2008

I'll be there tonight!

Mt. Mutombo, We'll all miss you . Good luck in all your endeavors!!

jc1988 · Jan 9, 2008

Yao needs to learn how to rebound from Deke too,

deke was a terrific defender and rebounder...

most likely a hall of famer

RoxD · Jan 9, 2008

bucket said:

Seriously, though, thanks for all the translations, pryuen!
Click to expand...

pryuen did a English-English translation this time.

DaDream · Jan 9, 2008

Yao: I used the bathroom today!

Dei · Jan 9, 2008

How many greats who were supposed to tutor Yao worked only on his mental? Ewing, Deke, and I bet even Hakeem.

armyman7894 · Jan 9, 2008

Well he sure as hell is old enough to be Yao's brother.

longhornchampno · Jan 9, 2008

Mutombo could actually be like Yao's father if the rumor that his real age is 49 happens to be true.

bucket · Jan 9, 2008

RoxD said:

pryuen did a English-English translation this time.
Click to expand...

Ah! I just saw where the story was from. I do really appreciate all the work he does around here, anyway.

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Yao Ming: Deke Mutombo Is Like An Old Brother To Me

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