Hawks to retire Mutombo's No. 55 next season

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks will retire Dikembe Mutombo's No. 55 next season, about two months after he is enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mutombo, the shot-blocking, finger-wagging center, spent five seasons with the Hawks. Hawks CEO Steve Koonin says few players matched the impact Mutombo made ''as a player, man and humanitarian.''

His number will be retired on Nov. 24, when the Hawks play the Boston Celtics. His hall of fame enshrinement is set for Sept. 11.

Mutombo, who played with the Hawks from 1996-2001, ranks third in franchise history in blocked shots and rebounds per game. He ranks second in NBA history in blocks.

Dominique Wilkins (21), Lou Hudson (23) and Bob Pettit (9) are the only other players whose numbers were retired by the team.