One of the most feared defenders in NBA history also made a heck of a pitchman. Dikembe Mutombo, the prolific shot blocker and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, has died, the NBA announced Sept. 30.

Oh,to hear chief marketing officer Ted Ward riff wryly. The 63-year-old veteran of many a campaign struggles to keep a straight face as he describes the cast of characters that have graced the stage ...