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A Knicks spokesperson confirmed that Mason died Saturday. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure this month.
A Knicks spokesperson confirmed that Mason died Saturday. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure this month.
Anthony Mason, the rugged forward whose toughness and relentlessness fueled his journey from afterthought to NBA All-Star, died early Saturday after suffering a massive heart attack and being diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month. He was 48.
Mason played for six teams and averaged 10.9 points per game over his career, but was best remembered for his five-year tenure with the Knicks.
Mason's bruising, physical play epitomized then-coach Pat Riley's teams, which were perennial contenders and reached Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals.
The 6'7" forward became a fan favorite for his toughness as well as for his creative trademark: Mason often carved artwork and messages into his haircuts.
Longtime New York basketball writer Peter Vecsey first reported via Twitter on Feb. 11 that Mason was "fighting [for his] life" after undergoing multiple surgeries, including one procedure that lasted nine hours. Vecsey reported that Mason had reached 350 pounds, had been dealing with heart problems for the past year, and was at a New York-area hospital undergoing tests when the heart attack occurred, prompting him to be rushed into surgery.
After multiple procedures and several touch-and-go days, Mason's condition stabilized. He was reportedly "getting better" in recent days, unable to speak but responding to family members by "blinking and shaking his head and things like that," according to his son, Antoine Mason.
Mason is survived by his sons, Anthony Jr., who played college ball at St. John's before embarking on professional stints with the D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce and clubs inFrance and Italy; and Antoine, who finishedsecond in the NCAA in scoring last year at Niagara and has since transferred to Auburn. Mason is also survived by Anthony Jr.'s mother, Monica Bryant, and Antoine's mother, Latifa Whitlock.
Mason averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during a 13-year NBA career spent with six teams that was marked by ferocious play on the court and explosions off it, and fierce battles with opponents, teammates and coaches alike. He was a big man with guard skills; a freight train filling the lane with hellacious handles and footwork running the break; an undersized four adept at playing in the post and on the perimeter; a brutalizing defender who also boasted a feathery touch with both hands.
Eddie Mata, who interviewed Mason as part of his "Where Are They Now In Sports" video series, reported that Mason passed away at 2:36 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday. Peter Botte of the New York Daily News and ESPN New York's Ian Begley subsequently confirmed the 13-year NBA veteran's passing.
Mason's former teammate, Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, said in a statement: "My heart is heavy after learning that we lost Anthony Mason last night."
"We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons."
"Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle every time we stepped on the court together. I will remember him for his strength, determination and perseverance."
"My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace."
May his soul rest in peace.
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