Dikembe Mutombo -- NBA Guys Are Stealing My Finger Wave ... I Need To Get Paid For It

Dikembe Mutombo says his swag ain't free ... telling TMZ Sports all the young NBA whippersnappers using his signature finger wave gesture need to pay homage ... and pay up.

Mount Mutombo was in NYC when we asked the former defensive player if he thought the finger wag he did to celebrate blocked shots made his digit the most famous index in sports.

Check out the clip -- Dikembe says not only is his the most famous, but the most swagger jacked as well ... cause everyone is stealing his move, and now he wants a little green love for it.

FYI -- Mutombo's career earnings are $143,666,581.

Every little bit counts though.