Awful news broke through the headlines on Saturday morning when word leaked of Anthony Mason‘s death. The 13-year NBA veteran wasn’t only a force on the court but off of it as well as Mason quickly became a fan favorite no matter the city he was playing in.
While most likely remember Anthony Mason from his time with the New York Knicks, the lumbering power forward also spent time with the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.
Known mostly for his defensive skills, Mason even made an All-Star game in 2001.
The New York Knicks say Anthony Mason, a rugged power forward who was a defensive force for several NBA teams in the 1990s, has died. He was 48.
Knicks spokesman Jonathan Supranowitz confirmed Mason’s death, which was first reported Saturday by the New York Daily News.
The 6-foot-7 Mason won the NBA’s Sixth Man award in 1995 with a Knicks team that was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in one of its classic clashes with the Indiana Pacers.
Understandably, shock was felt throughout the basketball community once news of Anthony Mason’s death was announced with players like Kobe Bryant and more tweeting out about the loss.
RIP Anthony Mason
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 28, 2015
It's been a tuff week for then nba family losing 2 outstanding people in Jerome Kersey and now anthony mason.
— Jermaine O'Neal (@jermaineoneal) February 28, 2015
Praying for the Family, Friends, and Fans of My former teammate Anthony Mason. #RIPBro
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) February 28, 2015
My condolences to the family of Anthony Mason. A true warrior for his teams. Grew up watching him & was fortunate to play against him. #RIP
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) February 28, 2015
Rip Anthony Mason. 1 of the toughest players to play the game. Prayers to family and friends.
— Brandon Knight (@Goodknight11) February 28, 2015
Many other former and current professional athletes who knew Anthony Mason or were a fan of his also expressed their condolences through social media.
