Beloved athlete and 13-year NBA veteran Anthony Mason has died.

According to ESPN, Mason's son delivered the news early Saturday morning. Anthony Mason Jr. released a statement confirming the player passed due to congestive heart failure. After undergoing a few surgeries, his family believed he was getting better.

"First I want to thank all those who offered prayers and well-wishes for my Father, our family really appreciates it," Mason Jr., said Saturday. "Overnight, New York City and the world lost a legend, a friend, a brother ... but more than anything our father, Anthony Mason. As you all would expect our father -- Big Mase -- put up an incredible fight, dealing with a severe heart issue. I'm wishing this was something else I was writing, but Pops we've got to let you know we love you and know you'll always be with us."

Mason began his career with the Knicks in 1991. Many believed his time with the team were his best as he brought the team to the NBA finals in 1994. After his time with the Knicks, Mason went on to play for the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and the Charlotte Hornets. Mason or "Big Mase" was also known for his lively personality and his signature haircuts. His agent, Don Cronson opened up about his legacy.

"Anthony was a multifaceted individual," Cronson said.. "There were many aspects to his personality, and some that people weren't aware of. In the best sense of the term he was a momma's boy. From the day I met him he was always thinking of his mom and taking care of her. As rough and tough as he was, Anthony was also a doting father, and I saw that many times. Anthony willed himself into the NBA, and very few players can do that. Any NBA team could've had him for a nickel, and he turned out to be the perfect Pat Riley player. I think Pat saw a lot of himself in Anthony, and really they were the same guy. That's why they butted heads as often as they did. They were both blue-collar guys and fighters. Anthony told me, 'Pat Riley was the one who gave me my chance. He's the one who saw something in me when nobody else did.'"

Kobe Bryant and prominent NBA critics paid tribute to Mason following the news. Take a look at the tweets above.

Source: ESPN | Photo Credit: Splash NewsÂ