Petition for the Houston Rockets to retire Dikembe Mutombo's jersey!

Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo was regarded as one of the top post defenders of all time. His combination of height, power and long arms led to a record tying four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Mutombo also achieved a certain level of on-court notoriety. After a successful block, he was known for taunting his opponents by waving his index finger, like a parent would reproach a disobedient child.

Mutombo was the lockerroom leader of the 2007-2009 Houston Rockets. After a devestating season ending injury to Yao Ming, Mutombo led the Houston Rockets to an NBA second best 22 game winning streak.

Without Mutombo's leadership, both in practice, in the lockerroom, in the huddle, on the bench, and on the court, the Houston Rockets would not have had the emotional spirit to make the playoffs during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 season.

Off the court, Mutombo was one of the most charitable and generous players in the history of sports. His efforts earned him the NBA's humanitarian award in 2001. For his feats, The Sporting News named him as one of the "Good Guys in Sports" in 1999 and 2000 and in 1999, he was elected as one of 20 winners of the President's Service Awards, the nation's highest honor for volunteer service.