Helena Frye
The term WAG, an acronym for wives and girlfriends, is often used to refer to the female partners of athletes. The term was first used by the British tabloid press to refer to the wives and girlfriends of high-profile footballers. In the context of basketball, one notable example of a WAG is Taylor Swift, who was rumoured to be romantically involved with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Another iconic celebration associated with basketball is Dikembe Mutombo's finger wag, which has been described as one of the NBA's most iconic celebrations.
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What You'll Learn
Dikembe Mutombo's finger wag
Congolese-American Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, nicknamed "Mount Mutombo" for his defensive prowess, is regarded as one of the best shot-blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Mutombo played 18 seasons in the league and was known for his finger-wagging gesture after successfully blocking opponents' shots. The gesture, which involved wagging his index finger, resembled a parent scolding a disobedient child. While it initially drew attention as a form of taunting, the NBA later responded by imposing a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. To adapt, Mutombo modified the gesture by directing it towards the crowd or TV cameras, which was not considered a violation.
The finger-wagging gesture became so iconic that the NBA banned it during the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season. Initially, Mutombo protested the decision but eventually complied with the new rule. Despite the ban, the finger wag remains closely associated with Mutombo and his dominant defensive presence on the court.
One notable instance of Mutombo's finger wag occurred when he blocked four shots in a row, wagging his finger after each successful block. This display of both defensive prowess and taunting garnered attention and highlighted the unique celebration that became synonymous with Mutombo's playing style.
Mutombo's finger wag has left an enduring impact on basketball culture. It not only represented his skill and tenacity as a defender but also added an element of showmanship and entertainment to the game. The gesture continues to be referenced and celebrated in basketball circles, even after Mutombo's retirement in 2009. His number 55 jersey was retired by the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, forever enshrining his legacy in the sport.
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Michael Jordan's finger wag
Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He led the Chicago Bulls to six championship wins before retiring in 1998. Jordan's retirement has often been blamed on his souring relationship with the Bulls' general manager, Jerry Krause, but a severe finger injury may have also played a role. Jordan severed a tendon in the index finger of his shooting hand while using a cigar cutter.
Jordan underwent surgery on his hand, but the injury caused lasting damage. He lost some mobility in his finger, which affected his ability to grip the ball and dribble. Despite this, Jordan returned to the NBA in 2001 to play for the Washington Wizards, although his season was cut short due to a torn cartilage in his right knee. He played professionally for the last time in April 2003.
Jordan's finger injury and subsequent retirement were recently revisited in ESPN's documentary series "The Last Dance," which focused on the Chicago Bulls' landmark 1997-98 NBA season. In the series, Jordan muses about his preference for retiring at the top of his game rather than playing until he physically can't anymore. He also reveals that he used to think he would die young because he couldn't imagine being old and not being "Michael Jordan."
While Jordan's finger injury and retirement are well-known, less publicized is an incident where Jordan performed a finger wag at Dikembe Mutombo, one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history. Mutombo was known for his trademark finger wag, which he used to intimidate and embarrass his opponents after blocking their shots. During the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, Jordan dunked over the seven-foot center and returned the finger wag back at Mutombo, creating a memorable moment in NBA history.
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One of the NBA's most iconic celebrations
WAG, an acronym for "wives and/or girlfriends", refers to the wives and girlfriends of high-profile sportsmen and women. The term originated in British tabloid media to describe the partners of the England national football team. It came into common use during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, referring to Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole.
Now, onto NBA celebrations. The Jordan 'Shrug' is one of the most iconic celebrations in NBA history. During the 1992 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan, who was not known for his three-point shooting, scored 39 points. Shocked by his own performance, he shrugged his shoulders, inadvertently creating one of the most iconic celebrations in NBA history.
Another iconic celebration is Dikembe Mutombo's "Finger Wag". Known for his elite rim protection and defence, Mutombo is recognised as one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history. His "Finger Wag" celebration, performed after blocking a shot, has been a staple among NBA fans for years.
Other notable NBA celebrations include LeBron James' 'Silencer', Stephen Curry's 'sleeping' motion, Carmelo Anthony's "3 to the dome", and Russell Westbrook's "Rock the Baby".
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Mutombo's impact outside of basketball
Congolese-American basketball player Dikembe Mutombo is known for his humanitarian work and philanthropy outside of basketball. He moved to the United States from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1987 with the hope of becoming a doctor. However, his plans changed when he was recruited to play college basketball at Georgetown University due to his impressive height.
Mutombo established the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, which focuses on improving health, education, and quality of life for people in the Congo. Through the foundation, he helped build a $29 million, 300-bed hospital, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named after his mother, in his hometown of Kinshasa. The hospital has treated over 200,000 people. In 2020, the foundation also began constructing an elementary school in Congo. Additionally, Mutombo has helped build 75 basketball courts in South Africa and promoted basketball globally through Basketball Without Borders, participating in camps in Africa.
Mutombo has also been recognised for his charitable work. He won the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001 and 2009, becoming the first two-time winner of the award. In 2015, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced Mutombo as a recipient of its Silver Anniversary Awards for 2016, recognising both his basketball career and extensive humanitarian work.
Beyond his humanitarian efforts, Mutombo has also been involved in other endeavours outside of basketball. He has been employed by the NBA as a global ambassador, working to use sports as a tool for positive change worldwide. He has participated in various events and ceremonies, such as the 2013 Pyeongchang Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea. Mutombo has also been a spokesperson for CARE's work in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, emphasising his commitment to helping those in need.
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Mutombo's career statistics
Dikembe Mutombo played college basketball for three seasons at Georgetown, where he established himself as a formidable defender. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the fourth overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. Over his 18-season NBA career, he played for six teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Rockets, and Hawks.
Mutombo's performance in the 2001-02 season marked a turning point in his career. It was the final season he averaged double-digit points or rebounds, starting 80 games for Philadelphia with averages of 10.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Despite his strong performance, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Mutombo's defensive prowess is underscored by his eight All-Star selections and four Defensive Player of the Year awards. He ranks second all-time in NBA history for career blocked shots. His number 55 jersey was retired by the Nuggets and Atlanta Hawks following his retirement at the conclusion of the 2009 NBA playoffs. In recognition of his outstanding career, Mutombo was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
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