Anthony Mason Passes Away at the Age of 48

Initially it was reported last week by Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com that Anthony Mason was getting better.

"“Longtime NBA player Anthony Mason remains in a New York hospital following multiple heart surgeries but is “getting better,” according to one of his sons.Mason suffered congestive heart failure two weeks ago. His son, Antoine Mason, told AL.com on Monday that Mason’s condition is improving.”"

““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.”-Anthony Mason Jr.

Former New York Knicks Anthony Mason passed away at the age of 48 today after the initial signs of recovery.

Mason attended Springfield Gardens High School in Queens, New York before going off to Tennessee State University. Mason left as the Tigers’ fifth all-time leading scorer with 2,076 points and sixth in total rebounds with 894.

Mason was selected 53^rd overall in the 1988 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Success in the NBA did not come immediately though, as Mason would be cut soon after and journeyed to Turkey to play for Efes Pilsen basketball club for one year. Mason made his way back to the NBA in 1989, where he played 21 games for the New Jersey Nets. Mason would go on to play for the Savannah Spirits in the CBA and Denver Nuggets from 1990-1991 before finally arriving to the Knicks.

Mason was crucial to New York’s success in the early 90s, and was an important and intricate piece to the 1994 Finals run. Mason averaged 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in five seasons with the Knicks. As a Knick, Mason won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1995.

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Mason collected more accolades after his departure from New York, in his first season with the Charlotte Hornets. Mason made the All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1997, where averaged 16.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assist per game. Mason made his one and only NBA All-Star appearance in 2001 with the Miami Heat, where he averaged 14.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assist per game.

As per ESPN New York his son Anthony Mason Jr. said

"“First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it,”“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.”"

We leave you with some word of advice from Anthony Mason from an interview between him and Derrel Johnson of CitySportsReport.com earlier in the year.

We will forever miss you.