Mitchell Wiggins, a former NBA guard and father of Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins, has died this week at 64, the Rockets introduced on Friday.
The reason for demise was not supplied.
“Right now we mourn the passing of former Houston Rockets guard, Mitchell Wiggins. Our sincerest condolences exit to his household and pals,” the crew wrote in a press release.
In April 2023, the elder Wiggins handled an unclear however “severe” medical state of affairs, The Athletic reported then.
Andrew had taken a months-long go away of absence resulting from his father’s medical concern.
A 6-foot-4 guard, Mitchell Wiggins, a North Carolina native, went to Clemson to begin his Division I school profession in 1979.
Wiggins spent his final two seasons at Florida State, the place he averaged 23.8 factors and 9.7 rebounds as a junior, following that up with 22.7 factors and eight.2 boards per contest as a senior.
He was then chosen within the 1983 NBA Draft at No. 23 general within the first spherical.
The wing, who performed six years within the league, spent his first NBA season with the Bulls, averaging 12.4 factors per recreation.
He spent 1984-87 with the Rockets, who reached the 1986 NBA Finals.
He returned for the 1989-90 season after lacking two years resulting from a drug ban.
That proved to be his greatest season as he shortly returned to the beginning lineup and averaged north of 15 factors per recreation.
“Wig was an incredible defender, father and teammate,” John Lucas informed the Houston Chronicle. “It’s humorous, I bought suspended one 12 months, then he and [Lewis Lloyd] bought banned the subsequent 12 months. After which, all of us got here again collectively.
“He may defend anyone, man. Unbelievable defender, and prompt offense off the bench.”
He spent his final season within the NBA in Philadelphia with the 76ers in 1991-92.
Wiggins additionally performed abroad.
In 2014, Andrew Wiggins was chosen No. 1 general by the Cavaliers within the draft, later getting traded to the Timberwolves and successful NBA Rookie of the Yr.
“As a mother or father and a former participant, I’m so proud. It’s one thing that he’s wished and dreamed about, and he made it occur. I used to be pleased, a bit relieved,” Mitchell informed reporters in 2014 after his son was drafted.
He’s survived by his spouse and 6 youngsters.
