Ex-Knicks Anthony Mason is ‘Fighting for his Life’

Former New York Knicks forward Anthony Mason is "literally fighting for his life" after suffering from a massive heart attack, according to multiple media reports.

"We're just hoping for the best at this point," one source close with Mason told ESPN.com.

The ESPN source stated that Mason, 48, had a heart attack several days ago. Since then, he has had several surgeries at a New York hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Longtime NBA writer Peter Vescey tweeted earlier: "Sickened 2 report, ex-Knick Anthony Mason fighting 4 life. Congestive heart failure, heart attack, 4 surgeries, last one 9 hrs. Sons by side."

Mason's two sons, Anthony Jr. and Antoine, are reportedly with him. Anthony Jr. played at St. John's University from 2005 to 2010 and Antoine currently plays at Auburn University after transferring from Niagara.

Before playing in the NBA, Mason played in Turkey and Venezuela. He also played for the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the United States Basketball League (USBL). After brief stints with the New Jersey Nets and the Denver Nuggets, Mason was signed by the Knicks' Pat Riley.

Throughout his 13- years in the league, Mason played for a total of six franchise teams. He is best known for his five seasons with the Knicks, averaging 9.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.

During the 1994-95 season, he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. In the following season, Mason led the league in minutes played. Mason earned his one and only All-Star bid in the 2000-01 season when he played for the Miami Heat. The 6-foot-7 forward finished his career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The New York Knicks and Mason's former teammate, Mark Jackson, have tweeted their support.