Charles Barkley: “Of all the great players I’ve played against who have gone on to be Hall of Famers, there has never been a greater combination of basketball player and man than Dikembe.”

Reggie Miller: “Dikembe, congrats on your induction. I loved playing against you, but not so much the finger waving after blocking all my shots in the paint. It will be GREAT to see that finger waving as it points to your jersey hanging in the Hall of Fame.”

Isiah Thomas: “Dikembe Mutombo is often referred to as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players of all time. In a game that is mostly dominated by offense, Mutombo was a refreshing change by bringing domination on the defensive end. Most players get excited when they score, but Mutombo got excited when he stopped you from scoring. His achievements, however, far exceeded the court. His commitment as a philanthropist and humanitarian to his homeland of Africa has earned him international respect and is to be admired by all. Dikembe Mutombo is a Hall of Fame player and person, and I salute him on all of his great achievements.”

Steve Smith: “I’m so ecstatic and thrilled to have a chance to be there in person and watch Dikembe be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. Not only was he a great teammate, but he’s a great friend and my neighbor. Congratulations! All the best and well deserved!”

Ernie Johnson: “The thing that most stands out about Dikembe for me is not the blocked shots and the finger waving, or clutching the basketball while he laid on the floor when the Nuggets upset the Sonics. It’s his heart. It’s the hospitals he’s built, and it’s the unbridled joy that just radiates when he walks into a room.”

Shaquille O’Neal: “This honor is well deserved for one of the league’s most exciting and legendary defensive players of all time. Big heart, big smile and has brought honor to the game on and off the court. Congrats!”

Marv Albert: “Dikembe will always be remembered as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players of all time. His likability and skills on the court have also led to extraordinary humanitarian work throughout Africa and the United States.”

Kenny Smith: “Dikembe was a marvel at the defensive end who controlled the game without even scoring. His truly heroic scoring efforts come from his love of humanity. Congrats! A Hall of Famer in every sense.”