Anthony Mason, Former NBA Player, Dies At 48

Former NBA player and New York Knicks icon Anthony Mason dies at the age of 48; the NBA reacts

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Former NBA player Anthony Mason died Saturday at the age of 48.

Mason played for six teams during his 13-year NBA career, but will be most remembered for his tenure with the New York Knicks.

"[via ESPN]A Knicks spokesperson confirmed to ESPN that Mason died early Saturday morning. The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month.“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.”"

When word of the news began to make its way mainstream, reaction began to bubble out of any and everyone that had any recollection/association of Mason.

Dwyane Wade wrote this on the former Miami Heat player on Instagram:

Just woke up to this sad news about this amazing individual..my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The Mase i got a chance to know was an amazing basketball player,fun loving friend and most importantly a very proud dad.. #heatfamily #gone2soon #nbafamily

Adam Silver released a statement, via NBA.com:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Anthony Mason pic.twitter.com/8lBNRKEMVE
— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2015

As did current New York Knicks president Phil Jackson:

#Knicks president Phil Jackson: "As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason....Rest in peace, Mase." pic.twitter.com/QJqVN5DhI0
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 28, 2015

Charles Oakley, a former teammate:

MY MAN MY MAN A. MASON R.I.P, WE GONNA MISS U BROTHER
— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) February 28, 2015

Another former teammate in Mark Jackson:

Praying for the Family, Friends, and Fans of My former teammate Anthony Mason. #RIPBro
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) February 28, 2015

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers guard:

RIP Anthony Mason
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 28, 2015

Walt Clyde Frazier, former New York Knick

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

Perhaps no one explained what Mason meant to the Knicks organization better than Mark Kriegal of the NFL Network:

Pat Riley made the #Knicks of the 90s. But Anthony Mason made them about New York. He was the guy you wanted to get your back. (con't)
— Mark Kriegel (@MarkKriegel) February 28, 2015

Anthony Mason was real New York: self-made, hard as hell, with a little crazy and a lot of great. Damn, he'll be missed.
— Mark Kriegel (@MarkKriegel) February 28, 2015

RIP Anthony Mason.

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