Anthony Mason, Former New York Knicks Player, Dead at 48

Former basketball star Anthony Mason died on Saturday from a heart attack after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month. He was 48.

The 13-year NBA veteran was best known for playing for the New York Knicks from 1991 to 1996, and a Knicks spokesperson confirmed Mason’s death to ESPN.

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“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.

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“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.”

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Mason’s other son, Antoine, had said earlier this week that his father was “getting better” following multiple heart surgeries. Antoine plays college basketball for Auburn but will miss Saturday’s game against Texas A&M, the team announced.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant mourned the player via Twitter on Saturday, writing: “RIP. Anthony Mason.”

The 6’7″ forward was born in Miami, Florida, but went to high school in New York. He went on to play college basketball at Tennessee State before being picked 53rd overall in the 1988 NBA. Once there, he played for a number of teams including the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks, but he was most famous for his five years with the Knicks.

“Anthony was a multifaceted individual,” his longtime agent Don Cronson told ESPN.com. “There were many aspects to his personality, and some that people weren’t aware of. In the best sense of the term he was a momma’s boy. From the day I met him he was always thinking of his mom and taking care of her.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also gave his condolences. “Anthony Mason exemplified perseverance for all players fighting for their chance in the NBA,” he said. “NBA fans and players around the league admired his tenacity on defense and playmaking on offense.”

See Twitter tributes to Mason below.