4 Former New York Knicks That Would Thrive In Today’s NBA
By James Ryder
New York Knicks Player #2: Anthony Mason
The late New York Knicks forward of the 1990s was one of the most versatile players of the time. Naturally then, he would be a great fit in today’s game.
As positions start to fade away, current NBA professionals are asked to be swiss army knives. If you aren’t a star or if you aren’t elite at any one skill, then you will likely be asked to do a bit of everything if you want to see playing time.
Mason may be the most qualified player on this list for the modern NBA. He was a 1x All-Star, made All-NBA and All-Defense in 1997, and was the 1994-95 Sixth Man of the Year.
In 5 seasons with the Knicks, Mason averaged 9.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He was as hard-nosed as they came and is still a Knicks icon to this day.
Like Bob McAdoo, Mase was a pioneer. He played small forward, power forward, and even center. He was a great point-forward and was the epitome of a “small ball” player over a decade before the term became prominent.
He wasn’t at all a long-range shooter, but even in the current NBA, you don’t have to be if you are as skilled a big-man as Mason was.
Perhaps more impressive than his vision and athleticism was his defense. Yes, I already mentioned he was an All-NBA defender, but that doesn’t do him justice. Anthony Mason could guard Michael Jordan, Karl Malone & Hakeem The Dream.
Dare I say it, the 6’7 Mason was very much a baby Giannis Antetokounmpo in terms of impact on both sides of the court on and off-ball.
Ok, I’ll admit Draymond Green is certainly a more fitting comparison, but you get the idea.