Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins has missed several games over the past two seasons for personal reasons without publicly explaining why. However, a recent heartbreaking Instagram post from his sister has led NBA fans to piece together that Wiggins’ absence was related to his father’s health, Mitchell Wiggins.
Andrew Wiggins’ sister, Angey, recently shared a heartfelt childhood photo with their father on Instagram, writing, “Rest easy. You’ll forever be missed. I love you forever, Daddy.” The IG post went viral as soon as the community spotted it. Andrew has yet to address the news on his social media.
Andrew was by his father’s side during his last moments. When concerns started circulating about Andrew’s absence in the last year, Shams Charania disclosed it was because his dad was sick.
As soon as the news hit everyone’s news feed, the NBA world started to mourn for the ex-Rocket’s guard.
Houston Rockets posted, “Today we mourn the passing of former Houston Rockets guard, Mitchell Wiggins. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
NBACentral tweeted, “Andrew Wiggins’ father, Mitchell Wiggins, has passed away. Prayers go out to Andrew Wiggins and the rest of the Wiggins family.”
Revisiting Mitchell Wiggins’ illustrious basketball career
Mitchell Wiggins was an NBA player who played for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Washington Bullets. He played in 389 games over the course of six seasons, but his breakout season was 1989–1990 while playing with the Rockets. He was also part of the 1985-86 Rockets teams that advanced to the NBA Finals.
Wiggins was picked 23rd in the 1983 draft and averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He also won a silver medal with Team USA at the 1982 FIBA World Championships.
In 1987, he was suspended for over two seasons because he tested positive for cocaine. After leaving the NBA in 1992, he played basketball in Greece, France, and the Philippines.
