NEW YORK (REUTERS) - Anthony Mason, a former player with the National Basketball Association's New York Knicks, has died at the age of 48, ESPN and other media reported on Saturday.

One of Mason's sons said earlier this week that his father's health was improving after multiple heart surgeries, the US cable network reported.

The 13-year NBA veteran had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this month, ESPN said.

A spokesman for the Knicks was not immediately available for comment.

Mason was a forward from Tennessee State University, who played with the Knicks from 1991 to 1996, according to the club's website.

A fan favourite, he was a key player in the 1993-1994 Eastern Conference Champion team.

Mason won the NBA's Sixth Man Award in 1994-95 as a member of the Knicks, according to ESPN.

He also played with the Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat.