Dikembe Mutombo created a stir on Tuesday afternoon several hours before the NBA Draft Lottery by congratulating the Philadelphia 76ers for getting the first overall pick.

The 76ers had solicited a Tweet from Mutombo if they were to win the lottery.

“As you know tonight is the NBA Draft Lottery and we are all excited and hopeful we walk away with the #1 overall pick,” the email read. “To help create excitement for the team, would it be possible for you (or whoever controls your account) to post a congratulatory tweet in the event we do get the #1 Overall Pick? I know you have ties to many teams, but none of which would be in the running for the #1 pick this year.”

There were sample tweets provided, along with a suggestion to just retweet the 76ers account.

Mutombo said he didn't read the email carefully and wanted to be supportive of the 76ers.

“People will say whatever they want to say,” he said on Tuesday night. “… You cannot stop them.”