Reaction to the death of Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo

Reaction to the death of Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo, who died Monday from brain cancer. He was 58.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about Dikembe’s passing. He was a defensive force on the court who changed the way the game of basketball is played. But more importantly, Dikembe truly changed the world and improved countless lives through his humanitarian work in Africa. I will especially miss hearing his booming laugh. My condolences to his wife, Rose, his children and his family.” — Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

“I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation. Dikembe’s indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life. I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe’s big heart and I will miss him dearly.” — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“As a basketball player, he might have been the best defensive player to ever play the NBA. I never saw (Bill) Russell playing, but he’d have to be awfully good to be as good as Dikembe. You’re very fortunate as a coach when your best player is the one that works the hardest and keeps all the rules, which is what Dikembe did. But his legacy might be even bigger with the work that he did off of the court." — Former Nuggets coach Dan Issel

“Dikembe was not only great on the court, but a force for good off it, admired and loved by those who got to know him. His smile, his values and his dedication to basketball, as well as to helping others, will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with his family and his loved ones at this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.” — Basketball Hall of Famer Pau Gasol.

“Honestly, I know him more for his commercials. It’s just how I grew up. I never got to watch him play. It just shows the impact he’s made not only on the court. I know he’s done a lot of work worldwide and made an impact on everybody’s lives in a different way.” — Cleveland center Jarrett Allen, who revealed Monday that he wanted to bring back Mutombo's finger-wag celebration before being told that the Hall of Famer had died earlier in the day.

“Like many across the globe, my heart is heavy with the loss of Atlanta Hawks legend and humanitarian Dikembe Mutombo. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit with him and his wife Rose at their home last month and express the gratitude and pride Atlantans and millions worldwide held for such a truly good man. He is not just a Hall of Famer — he is irreplaceable. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.” — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“It's really hard to believe and it's hard for us to be without that guy.” — Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.

“He loved others with every ounce of his being. That’s what made him so accessible. That’s what made him real. Dikembe Mutombo was salt and light, and today, on the 30th of September, 2024, he has been called to rest. I love you, Dad. Rest easy.” — Ryan Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo's son.

“I was fortunate to have been able to call him a friend. My family and I were beyond proud to have him represent the Hawks organization on and off the court. With his jersey in the rafters, his life and legacy will always be remembered in Atlanta.” — Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler.

“You paved the way for me and for many Congolese and African youth with your legendary basketball career and charitable actions. You are an NBA legend and an African icon and that will inspire the many coming generations.” — Former NBA player Serge Ibaka.

“Georgetown lost one of its best in Dikembe Mutombo. Basketball fans remember him for his defense, rebounding and that trademark finger wag, but to those of us that knew him well, we will miss the father, teammate, mentor and friend. Dikembe left his mark on the Georgetown community in so many ways, but he will be best remembered for his unique gift of leveraging his platform as a Hall of Fame basketball player to maximize his global impact as a humanitarian.” — Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed.

“Doing the thing’s he’s done — did — it’s tough for everybody. It’s tough for the world. Being a fan of his, and then having an opportunity to play with him, gives me a different perspective as a friend of his. Tough day. but he’s going to be watching over us.” — 76ers guard Kyle Lowry.

“Dikembe was beloved by the entire NBA community and his tireless humanitarian efforts left an indelible mark on our league.” — Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.

“I knew him as a true humanitarian. ... I will love and miss him terribly.” — Cindy McCain, the widow of late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

“He was one of the nicest guys on earth and had such a huge heart. He genuinely wanted to help as many people in the world that he possibly could. Just had a beautiful spirit about him.” — former NBA player Etan Thomas.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

FILE - Former NBA basketball player Dikembe Mutombo laughs during a news conference announcing him as one of the 12 finalists of this year's hall of fame class during an event ahead of the NBA All Star basketball game, on Feb. 14, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

FILE - The Atlanta Hawks' Dikembe Mutombo, left, drives to the hoop against the Chicago Bulls' Dennis Rodman during the second quarter of their playoff game Thursday, May 8, 1997, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Michael S. Green, File)

Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri is overcome with emotion speaking about Dikembe Mutombo, who died Monday from brain cancer, in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — With a strike deadline looming, the union for 45,000 dockworkers and the group representing East and Gulf Coast ports have exchanged wage offers, leaving a ray of hope that a deal can be reached without a major work stoppage.

In a statement, the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents 36 ports from Maine to Texas, said that both sides have moved from their previous positions. The alliance said it also asked the union to extend the current contract.

The International Longshoremen’s Association is threatening to strike at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday in a move that could silence ports that handle about half the ship cargo coming in and going out of the U.S.

The two sides had not held formal negotiations since June, and a strike appeared imminent. But in a statement Monday morning, the union said the ports had refused its demands for a fair contract and seemed intent on causing a strike.

A work stoppage would significantly snarl the nation's supply chain, potentially leading to higher prices and delays in goods reaching households and businesses if it drags on for weeks.

If drawn out, the strike would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season — potentially impacting delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees, to cars, coffee and fruit.

A strike could have an almost immediate impact on supplies of perishable imports like bananas, for example. The ports that could be affected by the strike handle 3.8 million metric tons of bananas each year, or 75% of the nation’s supply, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Americans could also face higher prices as retailers feel the supply squeeze.

“If the strikes go ahead, they will cause enormous delays across the supply chain, a ripple effect which will no doubt roll into 2025 and cause chaos across the industry," noted Jay Dhokia, founder of supply chain management and logistics firm Pro3PL.

Dhokia added that East Coast ports aren't the only ones at risk for disruption, as concern leading up to the strike has already diverted many shipments out West, adding to route congestion and more pressure on demand. Impacts will also be felt internationally — particularly in places like the United Kingdom, he said, where the U.S. is its largest trading partner.

ILA members are demanding higher wages and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks used in the loading or unloading of freight.

A strike by the ILA workers — set to impact ports from Maine to Texas — would be the first by the union since 1977. West Coast dockworkers belong to a different union and aren’t involved in the strike.

If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. That would suspend the strike.

All eyes are on what, if any, action the administration might take — particularly just weeks ahead of a tight presidential election. But Biden has signaled that he will not exercise this power.

During an exchange with reporters on Sunday, Biden said “no” when asked if he planned to intervene in the potential work stoppage.

“Because it’s collective bargaining, I don’t believe in Taft-Hartley,” he said.

At a briefing Monday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that the administration had never invoked Taft-Hartley “to break a strike and are not considering doing so now." She added that top officials were still urging both parties to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.

Krisher in reported from Detroit. AP Writers Mae Anderson in New York, Stephen Groves in Dover, Delaware, Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.

FILE - Containers are moved at the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth, N.J., on June 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

FILE - In this photo provided by the Georgia Ports Authority, Griff Lynch, President and CEO of the Georgia Ports Authority, provides an update on the Port of Savannah's progress and future trajectory to 1,200 leaders from the maritime, supply chain, business and political sectors Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, during the annual State of the Port event in Savannah, Ga. (Stephen B. Morton/Georgia Ports Authority via AP, File)

FILE - Shipping containers are stacked in the Port of New York and New Jersey in Elizabeth, N.J., May 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)