Categories: In the Bleachers

Former Knicks Standout Anthony Mason Passes Away

Former NBA star Anthony Mason died Saturday morning at the age of 48. Mason had a massive heart attack earlier in February after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Drafted in the third round  by the Portland Trailblazers in 1988. Mason spent 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for six teams, including the Knicks, Hornets, and a season with the Miami Heat.

Mason’s path to the NBA was an unconvential one. He was waived by the Blazers shortly after being drafted. He ended up hooping overseas in Turkey and Venezuel,  before landing with the New Jersey Nets ( now Brooklyn.) He also played in the USBL and CBA.

In 1991, Mase and the Knicks came together, after he played on their summer league team. His blue collar, hard nose style of play was one of the key defining elements of New York Knicks basketball in the 90’s.

Mase was on a Knicks squad that included Patrick Ewing, John Starks and Charles Oakley. That team took the Houston Rockets to seven games in the 1994 finals.  Mason won “Sixth Man of the Year” in the 1994 -1995 season.

His oldest son, Anthony Jr. released a statement.

“First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it,” his son, Anthony Mason Jr., said Saturday. “Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother … but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father — Big Mase — put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I’m wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we’ve got to let you know we love you and know you’ll always be with us.”

Mason is survived by his other son, Antoine Mason,  Anthony Jr.’s mother, Monica Bryant, and Antoine’s mother, Latifa Whitlock.

Jill Munroe

Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-based host, producer, and writer. You can find her work on sites such as FoxSports.com, EURweb.com, and MSN.com. Munroe is a current member of the African-American Film Critics Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. Munroe has also been a frequent guest on ESPN radio and Yahoo Sports. In 2015, Munroe released her first book, "PostGame Pass: access into "the life" JillMunroe.com

Share
Published by
Jill Munroe

Recent Posts

‘Reasonable Doubt’ Season 2 Hulu Tackles Friendship, Power & Secrets | Exclusive with Raamla Mohamed & Emayatzy Corinealdi

Hulu's *Reasonable Doubt* highly anticipated second season delivers a complex mix of courtroom drama, personal…

1 month ago

Frasier Reboot Season 2: How Olivia, Eve, and Roz Redefine Strong Female Characters | Watch on Peacock

The *Frasier* reboot on Peacock returns for its second season, bringing back the beloved character…

1 month ago

Puff Daddy, Hugh Hefner, and 70s Rock Icons: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

The lifestyles of music and media moguls, from rock stars of the 1970s to hip-hop…

2 months ago

Zoë Kravitz on Directing ‘Blink Twice’: Exploring Paradise, Danger, and Feminist Themes

Zoë Kravitz on Directing 'Blink Twice': Crafting Tension in Paradise Zoë Kravitz has stepped behind…

2 months ago

Diddy’s Explosive New Lawsuits: Drugging, Assault, and Voodoo Tattoo Connection

Sean "Diddy" Combs has found himself at the center of a storm, with new allegations…

2 months ago

“Seeking Mavis Beacon:” A Cultural Icon Who Was Never Real

The mystery behind Mavis Beacon, the face of the beloved 1980s typing software, has intrigued…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.