Former NBA All-Star Anthony Mason dies at 48

Former NBA All-Star Anthony Mason has died at the age of 48.

Mason suffered a heart attack due to congestive heart failure on Feb. 13 and was fighting for his life in the hours that followed. He was in stable condition in subsequent days.

Mason's son, Antoine Mason, said Monday his father was getting better despite remaining in critical condition and being unable to speak.

A New York Knicks spokesperson confirmed Mason's death to ESPN, and The Associated Press is also reporting it. Mason's son, Anthony Mason Jr., released a statement Saturday morning:

First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it. Overnight, NYC and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother, but more than anything, our father. As you all would expect 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.

I ask at this time that you respect our family's privacy with regard to questions as our family takes the time to mourn.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement on Mason's passing:

Anthony Mason exemplified perseverance for all players fighting for their chance in the NBA. With a gritty style of play and a distinctive skill set, he blossomed from a third-round draft pick into a Sixth Man Aware winner, All-NBA selection and, at age 34, an All-Star. NBA fans and players around the league admired his tenacity on defense and playmaking on offense. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Mason family during this difficult time.

Phil Jackson, president of the Knicks, also released a statement:

As a competitor, there was none fiercer than Anthony Mason. Standing on the opposite end of the playing field, coaching in those great Chicago/New York battles, No. 14 in the Orange and Blue always stood out. On behalf of the entire Knickerbocker community, our condolences go out to his family. Rest on peace, Mase.

Mason is survived by Antoine, who currently plays college basketball at Auburn, and Anthony Jr., who played for St. John's. He also remained close with the Knicks organization, often attending games and practices.

Drafted in the third round out of Tennessee State in 1988, Mason played parts of 13 seasons in the NBA with six franchises.

Released one year after being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, Mason had brief stints with the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets before finally landing with the Knicks in 1991.

It was at Madison Square Garden where Mason found a home and - thanks to his bruising ways in the post and high school days in Queens - popularity with the New York faithful. Mason would spend five seasons with the Knicks, the most memorable of his six stops, averaging 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1994-95 and leading the NBA in minutes played in 1995-96.

The Knicks dealt Mason to the Charlotte Hornets for Larry Johnson the following season, where'd he'd spend four years, but only see action in three of those years thanks to a serious biceps injury that wiped out his 1998-99 campaign. He was named All-NBA Third Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1996-97.

Mason would then be flipped to the Miami Heat in a massive 10-player trade, where he earned his lone All-Star appearance in 2000-01. From there, he would sign with the Milwaukee Bucks but battle issues with his weight and was out of the league after the 2002-03 season.

Over his 13 seasons, Mason appeared in 882 games, averaging 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 50.9 percent from the field. He earned an estimated $45 million as a pro, while ranking 85th all-time in rebounds.

"News like this is not only sad, but it's tragic," said Heat president Pat Riley. "Anthony Mason was a very young man with a great family and friends. To lose him so quickly during his journey, especially to those of us that knew him, hurts. We had a great season in Miami experiencing Anthony as an All-Star with the Heat, and I also had the privilege of coaching him for four years in new York, where he helped take us to the brink of a championship. There were so many great moments that we shared that I will never forget. Our prayers and sympathies are with his family. May god bless his soul."