Mutombo denies he let Biyombo use finger wag
Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo has claimed that Dikembe Mutombo had given him permission to use Mutombo’s signature finger-wag celebration, but Mutombo says that’s not the case.
“I don’t know when that conversation took place,” Mutombo told TMZ on Tuesday. “Him and I need to talk this summer.”
Biyombo had told ESPN’s production crew, and others, earlier in the Eastern Conference finals, “After I had a conversation with Mutombo, I just felt like he has been great to my country. … And I thought it was a better way to keep his legacy going. I love Mutombo like a big brother. I’ve had several conversations with him and Hakeem Olajuwon. But it’s also getting caught in the moment and finding a way to get the fans involved and my teammates as well and flowing with the energy of the game.”
Mutombo, who retired in 2009, was a four-time NBA defensive player of the year and led the league in blocks three times during his 18-year career.
“He claims in the newspaper and everywhere he said I gave [permission] to him,” Mutombo told TMZ. “I said, Did I [give it]? Was it family? Was it a cosign? But you know what, he’s a young man, [so] I let him enjoy the fame. He’s making me famous. I will see him in the Congo this summer, so him and I will talk back home with nobody around us.”
Biyombo, who has thrived in a starting role in place of the injured Jonas Valanciunas, is averaging 1.4 blocks per game during the playoffs.
