The finger wag has been always been somewhat of a signature stamp, made famous by the great Congolese Dikembe Mutombo in his playing days. The league implemented taunting rules and made Mutombo stop wagging his finger at opponents whodr shot he blocked, so he started waving it at the crowd instead.
The finger wag has now been used by Congo native Serge Ibaka, and more recently another young Congolese big man, Bismack Biyombo.
Biymobo recently told reporters after Game 3 that he received permission from Mutombo to use the finger wag as he pleased.
I got the licence from Mutombo.
Then again after the Toronto Raptors won Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.
I love (Mutombo), he's like my big brother, and I've had several conversations about him, especially defensively, how he was able to impact the game. And of course, once he gave me permission to use his finger wag, then I guess I just want to live his legacy, and to show him some love as my big brother.
The only problem here is that, Mutombo told TMZ that he never gave Biyombo permission to use the finger wag, nor does he recall the conversation.
I don’t know when did that conversation took place…Him and I need to talk this summer.
He claim in the newspaper and everywhere he said I gave it to him. I said, Did I gave him? Was it family? Cosign? But you know what, he’s a young man, man, 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.
So there we have it. Two sides of the story, two different answers, but it's not as bad as it seems. Mutombo didn't seem annoyed by it at all, and being the cool guy that he is, added that he and Biymobo practically consider each other family.
"He doesn't need my permission to do (the finger wag)," Mutombo said. "Bismack is my youngest brother. I have nothing to be mad at him."
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) May 25, 2016
The finger wag is an homage to Mutombo, since his face is forever linked to the gesture, no matter who is using it.
[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/video-bismack-biyombo-absolutely-denies-kevin-love-rim/”]NEXT: Bismack Biyombo absolutely denies Kevin Love at the rim[/button]
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