NEW YORK, Feb. 28 (UPI) — Anthony Mason, a 13-year NBA veteran forward, died early Saturday after having a heart attack earlier this month. He was 48.
Mason, a consummate fan favorite, is credited for helping the New York Knicks reach the 1994 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Rockets.
The 6-foot-7 forward started his pro basketball career in 1988 after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. He played for teams that included the Knicks, the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets, and retired in 2003.
Mason had a heart attack on Feb. 11 while in the hospital for testing.
Mason’s illness and subsequent medical problems were first reported by famed NBA columnist and analyst Peter Vecsey.
Sickened 2 report, ex-Knick Anthony Mason fighting 4 life. Congestive heart failure, heart attack, 4 surgeries, last one 9 hrs. Sons by side— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) February 11, 2015
Former teammates Charles Oakley and Mark Jackson responded to the news of his death on Twitter.
MY MAN MY MAN A. MASON R.I.P, WE GONNA MISS U BROTHER— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) February 28, 2015
Praying for the Family, Friends, and Fans of My former teammate Anthony Mason.
#RIPBro— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) February 28, 2015
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