According to reports, Anthony Mason, a 13-year NBA veteran has died. The 48-year-old, 6-foot-7 forward was diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month. The baller is best known for helping the Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals and teamed with star players including Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and John Starks.
ESPN further reports that one of Mason’s sons told reporters earlier this week that his father was “getting better” following multiple heart surgeries.
Mason, who was honored with the league’s Sixth Man Award in the 1994-95 season, has also played with the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat following his stint with the Knicks. In 1997, he earned third-team All-NBA and second-team NBA All-Defensive Team, and in 2001 was selected for the NBA All-Star Game.
Many sports fans, friends and family have taken to the Web to express condolences and remember his legacy:
Anthony Mason & Beastie Boys pic.twitter.com/zDezshTmsZ
— UPNORTHTRIP$ (@evboogie) February 28, 2015
RIP Anthony Mason! What a great power forward back in the day! WOW! #Sad https://t.co/TTl3shKsLQ
— Isaac Carree (@isaaccarree) February 28, 2015
Wow, I can't believe this. So many great memories. A great Knick legend. Anthony Mason dies at 48 http://t.co/vNtCgxDOTD
— Paul Carrick Brunson (@PaulCBrunson) February 28, 2015
R.I.P. Anthony Mason. The former Knicks forward has died at the age of 48: http://t.co/NZEg4yVQKR pic.twitter.com/WWVHUZxNLZ
— SB Nation NBA (@SBNationNBA) February 28, 2015
Wow! Just heard former @nyknicks #AnthonyMason passed away at 48 from congestive heart failure. Played against him at West 4th St. early 90s
— Shawn Dove (@DoveSoars) February 28, 2015
Sad to hear of passing of former @NYKnicks Anthony Mason. Remember always running into Starks, Ewing & him in Phys Ed Bldg at @SUNY_Purchase
— Jeffrey Putman (@DrJeffreyP) February 28, 2015
RIP #AnthonyMason. One of the greatest @nyknicks ever not because of numbers or commercials but… https://t.co/puLP9bSafT
— Jared Cotter (@JaredCotter) February 28, 2015
RIP NY Knicks Forward Anthony "Mase" Mason #QueensAllDay https://t.co/Y8UDXZrCfF
— Consequence (@ItsTheCons) February 28, 2015
So deeply saddened at the death of my namesake @nyknicks great #AnthonyMason. Mase was a wonderful guy. pic.twitter.com/pRXzM84h6q
— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) February 28, 2015