Mitchell Wiggins, former NBA guard and father of Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins, died this week at age 64, the Rockets announced Friday.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
“Today we mourn the loss of former Houston Rockets guard Mitchell Wiggins. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” the team said in a statement.
In April 2023, Wiggins was diagnosed with an unknown but “serious” health condition. At that time, athletics.
Andrew had been off work for several months due to his father's illness.
Mitchell Wiggins, a 6-foot-4 guard from North Carolina, began his Division I collegiate career at Clemson University in 1979.
Wiggins spent his final two seasons at Florida State, averaging 23.8 points and 9.7 rebounds per game as a junior and 22.7 points and 8.2 rebounds as a senior.
He was selected in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 1983 NBA Draft.
The six-year wing played in the league and averaged 12.4 points per game in his first NBA season with the Bulls.
He played for the Rockets from 1984-1987 and the team reached the 1986 NBA Finals.
He returned after missing the 1989-90 season. Drug ban for two years.
He quickly returned to the starting lineup and averaged over 15 points per game, making this his best season to date.
“Wiig was a great defender, father and teammate.” John Lucas told the Houston Chronicle.“The funny thing is, I was suspended for a year, but then I met him. [Lewis Lloyd] It was banned the next year, and then we all came back.
“He can guard anybody. He's an unbelievable defender and can come off the bench and do some offense.”
He played his final NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1991-1992.
Wiggins has also played overseas.
In 2014, Andrew Wiggins was the first overall pick in the draft by the Cavaliers and was later traded to the Timberwolves, where he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
“I'm very proud as a parent and as a former player. He achieved what he hoped for and dreamed about. I'm happy and a little relieved,” Mitchell told reporters in 2014 after his son was drafted.
He leaves behind a wife and six children.
