NBA Remembers Knicks Legend Anthony Mason
In New York City, Anthony Mason is a legend. He rarely received the type of praise he truly deserved, but Mason was as tough, passionate and committed a man as you’ll find throughout New York Knicks history.
He was an All-Star, an All-NBA honoree, an All-Defensive Team selection and the 1995 Sixth Man of the Year. Through good times and bad, Mason embodied what it meant to be a member of the Knicks.
Today, it’s with a heavy heart that we relay the news that Mason has passed away at 48 years old.
Former Knick Anthony Mason has died at the age of 48.http://t.co/fXAM0m7g0a pic.twitter.com/RwONEk2zS0
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 28, 2015
Mason’s son, Anthony Mason Jr., released a statement via Tina Cervasio of MSG:
Heartbreaking to hear about the passing of former #Knicks Anthony Mason. His son @YuNgMaseJr explains more here: pic.twitter.com/ygC9ACriWz
— Tina Cervasio (@TinaCervasio) February 28, 2015
Current NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, praising Mason’s unparalleled resolve.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Anthony Mason pic.twitter.com/8lBNRKEMVE
— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2015
Mason will be dearly missed.
Mason was a member of the Knicks from 1991 to 1996. He was an enforcer and a leader on a team that prided itself on its toughness and resolve—traits which he set the tone for.
For two consecutive years, he led the league in minutes per game and proved just how committed to the Knicks he was.
Anthony Mason passed away this morning. He led the NBA in minutes per game in back-to back seasons from 1995-97. pic.twitter.com/Im9sTPDnyB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 28, 2015
The NBA community weighed in on his untimely passing, with Knicks icon Walt Frazier offering his condolences to Mason’s family.
It's a sad day to hear the passing of Anthony Mason. #Knicks fans please pray for his family. It's hard losing a loved one
— Walt Clyde Frazier (@WaltFrazier) February 28, 2015
Patrick Ewing, a teammate of Mason’s on the unforgettable Knicks teams of the 1990s, shared his sadness at the news of his passing.
Patrick Ewing: "My heart is heavy after learning we lost Anthony Mason last night. We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons..
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 28, 2015
Ewing continued:
Ewing continued:.."Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together...
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 28, 2015
He closed his thoughts with the most heartbreaking words one can say about a friend:
Ewing continued: "I will remember him for his strength, determination & perseverance. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace"
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) February 28, 2015
Former teammate and fellow Knicks legend Charles Oakley honored his friend, as well.
MY MAN MY MAN A. MASON R.I.P, WE GONNA MISS U BROTHER
— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) February 28, 2015
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant took to Twitter to honor the man he once called a competitor.
RIP Anthony Mason
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 28, 2015
Per Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, former teammate Ron Harper shared his thoughts and sadness with the paper.
"“The beauty of Anthony Mason is that he worked himself into becoming an NBA player and an All Star,” former Knick Derek Harper told the Daily News."
"Harper added: “I tried to reach out to him this week to tell him I love him. It’s incredibly sad.”"
True to his iconic hair styles, Mason is in God’s hands now.
"In God's Hands" RT @_TommyDee_: This is the image that I've always kept in my mind when I think of Anthony Mason... pic.twitter.com/9E6HBmC1At
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 28, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers at Daily Knicks and the entire FanSided network are with Mason and his family.
Thank you for the memories, Big Mase.