Last Saturday, retired 13-year NBA veteran Anthony Mason, passed away at the age of 48 years old. Anthony Mason player for numerous teams during his 13 year career, but I will always remember him as a Knick. This is despite the fact that his best statistical year came the year he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets.
Mason played for the New York Knicks(91-96) during my favorite time in basketball. As a kid, I loved the Knicks. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Seattle kid, and anytime the Sonics played the Knicks, I would root for Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, but the Knicks were and still are my second favorite team.
I loved Anthony Mason, he was a great team basketball player. He was a undersized forward, who was strong as an ox, skilled and possessed a high basketball I.Q. If I had to pick a player that reminds me of him from todays NBA, I would pick Draymond Green.
Mason was part of one of the most feared front courts at the time. The legend and hall of famer Patrick Ewing was at the head of the pack, but it took Charles Smith, Charles Oakley, and Anthony Mason to make them the force that they were. Of the latter three players that I named Anthony Mason was the most skilled. He could shoot from mid-range, had a nice low post game, and his ability to play at the high post is second to none in my opinion. Mason was a role player, and he played his role extremely well. He had a way about him on the court that said don’t fuck with me. I love the fact that he sacrificed his game for the sake of the team.
His game was ugly, but effective!
I tried to play the same way, and I can honestly say Anthony Mason was a huge reason for that. Its not about the glory, its about using what one does best to better their teams chances of winning the ball game.
Anthony Mason, Rest In Peace. Thank you for showing me how to play the right way, always be remembered as one of my favorite players all time. Peace and much Love to Anthony Masons family and friends.