With the passing of former NBA forward Anthony Mason at 48 on Saturday, members of the NBA community have expressed sorrow.
Mason's family released a statment via St. John's on Saturday, expressing their gratitude for the support they've received.
"First, I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciated it," Anthony Mason Jr. said in a statement released via St. John's. "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 issues. 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."
via Former Knick Anthony Mason Dead at 48 | The Knicks Blog
Phil Jackson was a member of the Knicks family and coached against Mason in the 90s when Jackson was coach of the Bulls. The Bulls-Knicks battles were legendary.
Phil Jackson on Mason passing: pic.twitter.com/yvIpArcRqL
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) February 28, 2015
Mason's teammate and Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing weighed in. Ewing and Mason were Knicks teammates from 1991 through 1996.
Patrick Ewing: "My heart is heavy after learning we lost Anthony Mason last night. We were teammates on the Knicks for five great seasons..
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 28, 2015
Ewing continued:.."Mase came to play every night and was always ready to go to battle with me every time we stepped on the court together...
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 28, 2015
Ewing continued: "I will remember him for his strength, determination & perseverance. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace"
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) February 28, 2015
Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Anthony Mason pic.twitter.com/8lBNRKEMVE
— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2015
Charles Oakley, another longtime teammate of Oakley, was impactful in his Twitter sentiments:
MY MAN MY MAN A. MASON R.I.P, WE GONNA MISS U BROTHER
— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) February 28, 2015
Knicks fan Spike Lee became famous as a basketball fan during Mason's heyday with the Knicks, and he paid his respects on Twitter:
Mr ANTHONY MASON-May He Rest In Power. Once A Knick-Always A Knick. https://t.co/MU3RkseBr2
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) February 28, 2015Reggie Miller, who battled Mason and the Knicks in epic Pacers-Knicks series in the mid-90s, expressed the right tone, with the loss of so many notable former players in the last year.
Been such a heavy heart lately in the NBA family, especially now with the passing of Anthony Mason. Thoughts and prayers to the family..
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) February 28, 2015Two more big NBA names:
RIP Anthony Mason
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) February 28, 2015R.I.P Anthony Mason
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) February 28, 2015
