Former NBA Star Anthony Mason Now In Stable Condition Following Heart Attack
Former NBA forward Anthony Mason, best known for his stint with the New York Knicks in the 1990s, is reportedly in stable condition following a heart attack earlier this week.
On Wednesday of this week, worry came across the NBA when long time New York NBA reporter Peter Vecsey had reported that Mason was “fighting for his life.” Mason underwent several surgeries following his heart attack, which was complicated by congestive heart failure. He underwent one surgery that lasted a grueling nine hours. Luckily for Mason, he was at a New York area hospital undergoing tests when the heart attack itself happened.
Anthony Mason was listed at six-foot, seven-inches and 250 pounds during his playing career, according to basketball-reference.com. Mason played 13 seasons in the NBA, which included five seasons playing for Pat Riley’s New York Knicks. He also had stints with the New Jersey Nets (one season), Denver Nuggets (one season), Charlotte Hornets (three seasons), Miami Heat (one season), and Milwaukee Bucks (two seasons).
According to Vecsey, the 48-year-old Mason had ballooned to 350 pounds in recent years and had been experiencing problems with his heart for the last year. Luckily, as the NBA turned to celebrate its annual All Star weekend in New York City this weekend, it seems there is also a reason to celebrate in the Mason family. Anthony Mason’s son, Anthony Mason, Jr., released a statement on Saturday concerning his father’s health.
“My family and I appreciate everyone’s support this week, and we are grateful for all of the prayers and well-wishes for our father, Anthony Mason. Our father is now in stable condition and continues to receive expert medical care here in New York as he recovers from his medical procedures. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Mason’s son, Anthony Jr., formerly played basketball at St. John’s University, and his other son, Antoine, currently plays basketball at Auburn University. Both son’s have reportedly been at their father’s side in New York throughout this recent health scare.
Anthony Mason was known for outstanding defense and an explosive personality during his NBA career, most notably during some memorable playoff battles with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Reggie Miller’s Indiana Pacers. Mason won the NBA’s Sixth Man Of The Year Award during the 1994-1995 season, and Anthony was selected to his only NBA All-Star team during the 2000-2001 season while playing for the Miami Heat. He was also named second team All NBA Defense and third team All NBA during the 1996-1997 season while a member of the Charlotte Hornets.
[Photo by Getty Images / Staff]
