Anthony Mason Is In Bad Shape

Former NBA player Anthony Mason, best known for his defense and physical play on those bruising mid-'90s Knicks teams, is reportedly in critical condition after suffering a heart attack, according to multiple media reports.

The 48-year-old, who played for six teams over 13 seasons, was already in the hospital dealing with heart issues that have plagued him for a year when the latest episode occurred. Former Post columist Peter Vecsey, who first reported news of Mason's ill health, says Mason's weight is up near 350 pounds.

The undrafted Mason became a staple of Pat Riley's Knicks—here he is guarding Hakeem Olajuwon in the '94 finals—but occasionally clashed with management: he thought he should be more involved on offense, and that the Knicks were too reliant on Patrick Ewing. He was sent to Charlotte in a deal for Larry Johnson, and reunited with Riley in 2000-01 with the Heat, where he unexpectedly stepped into the starting lineup for the injured Alonzo Mourning. That year would see Mason's first and only all-star selection.

The Knicks haven't released an official statement on Mason, but did tweet this last night: