Anthony Mason: MOST VERSATILE Enforcer in NBA History? | FPP

The New York Knicks of the 1990s are a who's who of elite defensive players with guys like Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, John Starks and Xavier McDaniel, but there was one more who was perhaps the best of the bunch, or at least the most versatile; and that was Anthony Mason. A small forward built like a linebacker who could guard all 5 positions, Mason took an unlikely route to the NBA that saw him have multiple short stints in the NBA, overseas and in other leagues like the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and United States Basketball League (USBL) but when he finally got his chance with New York going into 1992, he made it count. Mason was one of the best bench players in the league and was a major part in the Knicks reaching back to back conference finals in '93 and '94 as well as their first NBA FInals appearance in over 20 years in 1994 vs. the Houston Rockets. And it was in this series when he put his defensive on full display as he made life very difficult for Hakeem Olajuwon, he would win the sixth man of the year in 1995 and after one more season in New York who be traded to the Charlotte Hornets where he would have a few great years alongside guys like Glen Rice and Eddie Jones. It was in Charlotte that he was able to show his complete game as he became a legitimate offensive threat and was voted to an All-NBA team as well as an All-Defensive Team. He would be traded to the Miami Heat in 2001 where he would be reunited with Pat Riley, his coach in New York who he had feuded with. He was brought in to come off the bench and play alongside Miami staples like Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, but a serious kidney issue suffered by Mourning would push Mason into the starting role, where he would even be voted to his first and only NBA All Star Game. He spent his last two years in a very dysfunctional situation with Milwaukee Bucks as they were breaking up their trio of Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen and Sam Cassell, before retiring after the 2003 season, then sadly passing away in 2015 at the age of 48. Anthony Mason was the complete package who had a skillset that you wouldn't expect a player that looks like him to have, but he could score efficiently, push the ball up court and pass quite well. But he was always elite at the things you'd expect him to be elite at like locking up the opposing team's best player, inhaling rebounds and being an enforcer. But nowadays his names barely comes up when talking about the great defenders in NBA history even though he was the blueprint for a Draymond Green type player.
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[@alfonsogreen2722]

I met Anthony Mason at my job a few years ago. Still can't believe he is gone. R.I.P Mase

[@CliffPierson777]

It was great watching Mase bring the ball up the court lefty, with his legs kicking up and bouncing the ball so hard off the floor.

[@Manny-nm8dh]

He dribbled the ball like it was talking shit to him lol.

[@timothywright2952]

Big Mase🗽🗽NY Knicks warrior..R.I.P He was a versatile player who could rebound, dribble & play solid defense. 🏀

[@Teddy42O]

R.I.P. Anthony Mason 🙏 he was Draymond Green that could score & was legit tough.

[@FlowboyVegas1]

He was Anthony Mason…

[@kerry-j4m]

Mason was a-BEAST. He could do-EVERYTHING. 6 ft-7-250 lbs,I know he drew people's attention out in the public. LOL. I bet green wouldn't have punched Mason if he was on the Warriors team.

[@Trellizm]

His handles was wayyy better than Draymond

[@kerry-j4m]

@@Trellizm And Mason's man-to man defense is far superior to Draymond's also.Draymond is a better long range shooter than Mason,but,Mason had a better post up game.And Anthony was so quick and fleet of foot to weigh 250 lbs of solid muscle.

[@terrellwashington3050]

​@@kerry-j4mAnthony Mason would beat the living shit out of Draymond Green....hands down! The same thing that Dray did to Poole wouldn't make it with Big Mase. Draymond is lucky to not have to deal with him. Rest in peace, Anthony Mason.

[@charlesreed1016]

Man was beyond tough. Had handles. Can pass rebound and defend. Can even score if asked upon. RIP Mase.

[@kerry-j4m]

Mase scored more with the Hornets than he ever did with the Knicks,I'm guessing that was his new role for them. RIP: MASON

[@ThePilot313]

In other words he had GAME💯🔥

[@BiggidyB]

When he played in Charlotte he scored.

[@eugenedantzler4485]

Dude was highly underrated.. Rest in peace Ant man

[@youtuber3328]

national geographic said god and reincarnation are REAL so they PROBABLY are

[@Trellizm]

This what I was waiting for..Mason was one of the original Power point forwards

[@Riles3152]

It wasn’t until he was on Charlotte for those solid late 90’s Hornets teams, that I began to realize how good Mason was. His game was perfect for that 90’s enforcer, physical, big man back to the basket era.

[@nierlluc4705]

Imagine if the Knicks traded Oakley for an all-star or a fringe all-star guard and just let Mason be the point forward, they could've won at least one championship in the early-mid 90's. Better spacing would've made Starks a better cutter and Ewing less prone to double teams.

[@GHOST91141]

I couldn't wait for the Knicks to play so I could see what design Mason had cut in his hair this time 😂

[@DRV404]

Another PF I loved a lot growing up. He truly was a force. Keep hitting bangers my man 🔥

[@youtuber3328]

would you say the natural position was small or power forward for anthony mason

[@jasonic-ks2tm]

You've mentioned John starks in almost all your videos! Give the man his due

[@kerry-j4m]

Mason was a menace off the court,fighting 10 cops !!! LOL. He's lucky they didn't shoot him.And who in their right mind would antagonize a guy -6 ft-7-weigning 250 lbs of solid muscle ????

[@davidsmith228]

Very tough and versatile basketball player. RIP Mason

[@Barts538]

This beat in background is such hypnotizing

[@philipfarnan4188]

He could jump off either foot and finish with either hand... smooth af.

[@arthurman6129]

Mase had some of the least aesthetically pleasing moves on offense. If you only watch him dribble for 10 seconds you’ll think this guy had no business being in the NBA. Then you watch him play for 10 minutes and you realise he’s actually really good! Mason was so physical on defense that even Hakeem had a tough time against him in the Finals. One of the most unusual physical specimens and personalities. RIP Mase

[@youtuber3328]

if you ask me the best playoff years were #1 86 #2 87 #3 95 and #4 94 for legend hakeem olajuwon

[@flintfleming3935]

Dude. GREAT ANALOGY. U GOT MY VOTE!

[@flintfleming3935]

U GOT MY VOTE.

[@flintfleming3935]

I'm WITH THAT 1000 %

[@flintfleming3935]

Yeah , he was Just as good as Barkley. Undersized fundamentally sound. Miss that and GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY

[@davidprice4777]

RIP Anthony Mason!He was a good all around NBA Player!I loved his Work Ethnic!

[@Lewis.Alcindor]

I met him at a Knicks ticketholder event during their "successful" 2012-2013 season, a couple of years before he passed. He was about 400 lbs by this time. He was literally the biggest human being I've ever seen, yet he carried that weight well and moved with good grace & light feet. RIP Big Mase.

[@CameronWright-bu3kp]

I grew up in Indiana and remember those Pacers/Knicks games. I hated the Knicks, but I ALWAYS respected Mase and his toughness . And how awkward but sweet was that lefty jumper? Speaking of that I would like to see Dale or Antonio Davis done which was our tough players , especially Dale!!!

[@Bwwe82090]

R.I.P Anthony Mason, great defensive player and had a great career despite the issues he had in his career.

[@MrLurchsThings]

Xavier McDaniel. There’s a name you don’t hear much anymore.

[@chrisricks6363]

X-man

[@brownlady3133]

Vernon Maxwell either...Mad Max

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

The 1992 first-round series between the Knicks and the Pistons that put an end to whatever was left of the sad boys completely😂😂

[@BSmokeyGaming]

What's funny about that series is that both the Knicks and Pistons had similar playstyle. The Knicks were the new Bad Boys going up against the old Bad Boys.

[@BSmokeyGaming]

What's funny about that series is that both the Knicks and Pistons had similar playstyle. The Knicks were the new Bad Boys going up against the old Bad Boys.

[@BSmokeyGaming]

What's funny about that series is that both the Knicks and Pistons had similar playstyle. The Knicks were the new Bad Boys going up against the old Bad Boys.

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

@@BSmokeyGaming the old sad boys I've always hated that team dude but I do respect Joe dumars and John salley I have never been able to stand Bill laimbeer Mark aguire Isaiah Thomas or any of the rest of those fools

[@RedGarnett-n2p]

@@BSmokeyGaming but you would be correct the Knicks had Xavier McDaniel on their team that year and Gerald Wilkins I'm pretty sure was still there yes he was because Cleveland made fools of theirselves the next year trying to call him the Jordan stopper when they brung him there and got their asses swept the funny part is that Cleveland done better the year before without Wilkins

[@Classicbasketballdvds]

rip Mase...very unique player. a point forward with ill handles. really liked his game, esp when he was with Charlotte

[@tokenblack7983]

Think he was giving the hornets 16 and 12 a night…made the all star team if I remember

[@Classicbasketballdvds]

he was balling with the Hornets...he made the all star team in 01 with Miami...solid year, but in the playoffs he disappeared. The whole Heat team actually...that was embarrassing how they lost that series@@tokenblack7983

[@whoisbrandonfoy]

RIP to Mase. Him & Oak in NY was crazy. Loved watching him man.

[@JasonWebber434]

I can just hear Marv Albert saying Anthony Masons name during the game miss those days. 😊

[@joncabotxox9389]

LOVED MASE!!!! He will forever be a NY Knick to me

[@ZPMBTV]

Firstly; anybody from NYC in the 90’s could find Anthony Mason playing Point Guard at The Cage in Harlem. All Summer. That’s when I knew this Man was Special; I was like?!? Damn… how come he don’t do that in the NBA and my brother explained how in the league you get stuck playing Position Ball, that was then, now it’s Positionless Basketball. Anthony Mason was Ahead of his Time. Salute to Bro and May God Bless his Soul.

[@FlyingImmortal]

Funny....I always thought Mase was better in the NBA than in NYC summer league.....West 4th, Lost Battalion, Tillary, Rucker......he was getting cooked by lesser players.

[@ZPMBTV]

@@FlyingImmortal : Funny; I’m guessing he was supposed to go 100% against lesser players while he was under contract with the Knicks huh? 😂😂😂 NBA players are Not allowed to go 100% during summer leagues they play to stay in shape. Everyone sees the same Game Differently. Salute To You for Being There Old Dude. 🫡

[@FlyingImmortal]

@@ZPMBTV Well , most of the dudes who played in those leagues were playing professionally overseas and also had contracts. Plus NOT playing hard is a good way to get injured.

[@ZPMBTV]

@@FlyingImmortal : 🫡🫡🫡

[@JaeSproo]

Welk 😂, was he REALLY GETTING COOKED? Or was he playing in a league where nobody plays defense and the crowd is only there to see people score?? ​@@FlyingImmortal

[@Boss3Nate]

One of my all time favs... R.I.P. Big Mase.. On a side note.. imagine how terrifying Anthony Mason probably was in high school.. hahaha. I can't even imagine

[@southbeachtalent]

Ty so much for this video!!! Need to hear from Knicks fans. As a die hard 90's NBA fan the Hornets absolutely won the Mase for LJ trade. Larry Johnson was shot and old by the time he stepped on the floor for Knicks in 96. Mason was nearing the end of his prime but was hype for Charlotte and a MUCH better player than Grandmama at the time

[@andresdelportillo9917]

Bro hornets got smoked by LJ in the 97 playoffs 🤣 mase couldn’t guard LJ , what series were you watching ?

[@andresdelportillo9917]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6HOoZuDoK9pja8si=nqUWpgAwdU0UM8Am

[@Digital_Dude2000]

Do you not remember LJ's legendary 4 point play in the '99 playoffs? that alone was worth it

[@Dangic23]

Watching this and still hoping that Smith’s and Ewing”s layups would’ve gone in. 😢😢😢 I did cry back then

[@elmascavidal1797]

Mason the enforcer those 94’ Knicks

[@DC4Life77]

Mase could ball for real and was tough. I had the Adidas with the response boots inside because of him. They were comfortable, too.

[@Digital_Dude2000]

Do Jack Sikma next, he was such an underrated big man, and a Seattle Sonics legend!

[@dennisgodman9732]

Loved this guy. Wish he played for the Heat longer RIP

[@darthtraderfx]

Thanks for making this video. I love anthony mason!

[@haitianspaceprogram735]

content like this is why i subbed....Anthony Mason...excellent upload

[@Mr.Memphis10]

Good content! RIP Anthony Mason 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@4392amtrak]

I would love to see a profile on Jason Eugene Terry

[@Teddy42O]

Michael Adams

[@benlu2438]

best mason video！btw, where can watch the 2001 Miami Heat playoff game replay pls?

[@ForgottenPlayerProfiles]

I wish I knew. those were the only two highlights I could find, and they were in one of the anthony mason career mix vids on youtube

[@testostyrone33]

Man... much RESPECT to you💪🏾!!!!!!!

[@DP-hi8gd]

All time great rip...anthony mason

[@Gigi-qk2fo]

If you're a Anthony Mason fan watch best kept secret by diamond d RIP mase

[@AMart870]

*When I watch Draymond Green this is who I think of* a Point Forward, Mase had handles, would play anybody defensively and lead the fast break R.I.P. "Mase" Anthony Mason!

[@Richard-gp5th]

I REALLY wanted to see him get a ring. R.I.P. Mase

[@KISS_MY_CONVERSE]

i would like to see lebron james lower his shoulders and run through anthony mason. I still remember the game he held vince carter to 0 points. CRAZY

[@flintfleming3935]

Just checking . U CANNOT FORGET. ABOUT MASE. VERY GOOD . BLESS HIS MEMORY.

[@lilpenny1982]

I think Riles didn't use Mason enough in the mid-1990's. Mase was way better than Charles Smith but Riles was too arrogant to make the change.

[@Quazey8]

It wasn't that, Mase would always pick up bad technical fouls arguing calls lol

[@leeroygreene85]

There is some truth to that, being Riley was involved in that trade for Charles Smith. But for it to work, Mase was so vital off the bench. Yet, Mase would close a lot of the games as well.

[@lilpenny1982]

@@leeroygreene85 Mase was also a very good ball handler and could beat the Bulls full court or half court press.

[@lilpenny1982]

@@leeroygreene85 Also Riles should've played Hubert Davis more minutes when Starks was off during Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals.

[@leeroygreene85]

@@lilpenny1982 lol heck even Rolando Blackman. Riley has since admitted he should’ve done something about that. But he was loyal to Starks clearly.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

Rest in Power, Big Made (and Armon Gilliam who also appears in this video). NASTY WORK IN THAT PAINT!!! #⚡daysofthunder⚡

[@bojanjovicic1723]

Great one!

[@lanceparker4796]

The Notorious BIG story was legendary. RIP to both.

[@devinlaheywho]

A couple of suggestions for you: Harold Miner, Tony Campbell, Bernard King & Terry Porter.

[@andresdelportillo9917]

Porter and Clyde were an amazing duo

[@markgonzalez4199]

I second Bernard King 👑

[@Bart848]

R.I.P. Anthony Mason

[@BeefPapa]

The Knicks had no idea what they had all along.

[@markgonzalez4199]

The Knicks fans knew

[@brownlady3133]

🗣Mase💪🏿💪🏿 this is the KNICKS I miss...childhood memories. NBA Inside Stuff n NBA on NBC! I wanna go back ❤ Fun Fact: Biggie Smalls Story To Tell Was about him!

[@MentalPistol]

Mase is a Knick for life.

[@aWiseManOnceToldMe87]

Queens county representative! RIP Anthony mason

[@rashadjenkins1571]

He had straight handle legit cross u up handles

[@Skillz_251]

We've got to see a Big Shot Rob player profile video.

[@michaelthreepeat]

Every team in every era would benefit from an Athony Mason

[@ammarnapata2193]

A much better offensive version of Draymond Green

[@nvm9040]

The 90s Knicks needed a player like Mase because he was a tough enforcer that could get physical down low But also to see what design Mace had cut into his head 😂

[@kincamell]

Gratitude

[@harlemworldown]

He is the reason for the term point forward

[@rig-zag]

I loved his role in the original Predator movie. 😂

[@Shinjiduo]

Mac! Is that you!?

[@lashgoshotwheels1127]

Thank you 😊

[@onmyblast]

He needs to be on 2k my personal favorite hornet

[@zo62]

His personal ice was just as legendary

[@Dangic23]

You pronounced Vlade correctly this time 😅 I remember reading all the comments last time

[@josephparhamjosephp2460]

Great guy

[@JezuzIsLord]

I usually think of an enforcer as someone with no skills. Just there to rough people up. Mason was highly skilled. He was a good player, almost great for a couple of years.

[@mikeonthemccomedy2465]

YOUR CHANNEL IS LIFE BRO!!! YOU ARE DEFINITELY BRINGING SOME GREAT PLAYER PROFILES!! KEEP THEM COMING!!!

[@triplennnoflaf]

I wish they would have said why and how Mason passed away? Died way too young. Anthony was a joy to watch playing pro basketball. A power forward with remarkable ball handling skills. Mason dribbling skills were remarkable !!!!!!!!!!! The Knicks were so stupid to ever let Anthony Mason play for another team. Mason was born to be a KNICK. R.I.P. Anthony Mason

[@mjslife187]

I always thought this guy was a football player that found basketball, dude , had mad shoulder game

[@Billy-ot8mk]

Kirk Hinrich would be an awesome FPP.

[@dennisdezarn5895]

First player to use his head as a message board

[@flintfleming3935]

I cant keep this up ... People know,, A.M. was the goods,, And A GOOD PERSON..

[@4olufade]

I'm so upset because you only have three photos of Mason in college .jk. i love your videos, keep up the good work

[@tutran8363]

Can you do Chris Gatling?

[@nothingnista]

Thank you ++

[@slobberkissintl3548]

Anthony Mason jr was tough at st. John's

[@victorvelez8144]

can you make a video of Tom Chambers?

[@PBCkiller23]

Damn I know that I came up in the best Era of the nba true Playas like Mason were legendary so much so that rapper's like biggie put him in a rhyme talking about he fucked mase chic lol

[@yourocc14]

Jamaal silk Wilkins next please

[@markgonzalez4199]

Ewing couldn't accept that he was getting old.

[@AlasNGpasay]

Proto dreymond ?

[@thereal_notoriousakagdubb3486]

Do Jason Terry the jet

[@flintfleming3935]

If u stand next to Mase, t.v. make him look small,,, the man IS HUGE, I MEAN HULKISH.... BUT GIFTED AND FLUID.. A good dude and very humble.. He is missed...

[@master-kq3nw]

Mason great player

[@rsimms4621]

Ma$e in your face. The Indiana pacers knew about that too well.😂

[@adamprice3466]

Mace was the first player I saw be called a "Point Forward"

[@JaeSproo]

Paul Pressey.. .MILWAUKEE BUCKS '83 -'89 invented the position. But you are right: Pressey, Pippen, Anthony Mason, and a tall guy from the Seattle Supersonics who could do everything.

[@konstantinkoverchenko9587]

It’s downright insane that Riley didn’t incorporate him more in the offense only to have that predictable scheme that constantly got them bounced out the playoffs. 🤨

[@MyMalik82]

Try a different back ground music , the best with your monotone voice gets tiring . I had forgot I was watching a video just kinda zoned out and it was back ground noise

[@RBoogie-32123]

Major snub for that 1997 all star game though

[@markgonzalez4199]

I always felt Riley sabotaged the Knicks offense. Playing slow, actually stopping fast breaks to set up the half court offense. It was always frustrating to watch.

[@Des_Zee]

Mase in your Face!!💯

[@andresdelportillo9917]

I love mase , but Charlotte was dumb for giving up LJ , Larry reminded mase and the hornets who was a top 5 pf in the league

[@HubCityHomeGrown]

Anthony Mason or Draymond Green ?? Steph would have to be point instead of shooting guard

[@mredwards3687]

Rip Mason

[@maartenvz]

Such a sad end to his career, getting swept in the playoffs, let go by the heat only to destroy the chemistry of the up and coming Bucks. I think you could make a great drama series about that Bucks season

[@mrmvp2323]

Thats a crazy coincidence. He had two other teammates named Anthony. Anthony bacon though? Lol That's kinda similar to his name.i know they had jokes for ole boy😂

[@CLEIrishCat007]

90s Knicks’ teams were so good. Too bad Michael Jordan existed. Mason and Starks were my favorite from that time.