Retired NBA forward Anthony Mason passed away Saturday at the age of 48.
ESPN.com reported the news:
“Anthony Mason, a longtime NBA player who helped the New York Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, has died at the age of 48. A Knicks spokesperson confirmed Mason’s death to ESPN. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month.”
Mason started his pro basketball career overseas in 1988 after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers 53rd overall out of Tennessee State, and he also played in the Continental Basketball Association. He eventually established stateside staying power as a 13-year NBA veteran.For much of his prime, Mason played for the New York Knicks (’91-’92 to ’95-’96) and Charlotte Hornets (’96-’97 to ’99-’00)
Fans in New York and Charlotte came to witness the stocky Mason’s physical, impassioned brand of basketball, and he was a key contributor in helping the Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals.
During Mason’s only season with the Miami Heat in 2000-2001, he was named an All-Star. That season saw Mason post averages of 16.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest.
In total, he played for six different NBA franchises—Nets, Nuggets, Knicks, Hornets, Heat, Bucks—before retiring after the 2002-2003 season with Milwaukee.
