A month ago Andrew Wiggins and his family were excited for their China tour but things went South quite rapidly. His agent came out in public to inform about his family emergency which meant postponing the trip. And now on seeing Wiggins’ sister’s IG story the fans can finally connect the dots. It was about his father former NBA guard, Mitchell Wiggins.

Andrew Wiggins’ sister, Angey posted a childhood picture with her father stating, “Rest easy. You’ll forever be missed. I love you forever Daddy” along with a little heart. This was quickly spotted by the fans on social media and the news started spreading like wildfire. The former Bulls guard was suffering from chronic illness for a prolonged period. In the testing times, Andrew was beside his father, sharing the final moments with his childhood hero.

The NBA fans were taken aback when they started noticing Wiggins frequently missing games in 2022. When speculations regarding his non-attendance started making headlines, The Athletic’s Shams Charania disclosed the reason behind his absence. In one of his X posts, the Insider stated, “The reason for Wiggins’ leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say.” 

His absence was not the only thing that made the Warriors suffer. The Canadian’s performance noticeably dropped which became a serious concern for the Dubs. However, they stood behind him in full support as he looked after his ailing father.

Andrew Wiggins’ connection with his former NBA star father

“Is that your son?”, a tall dark man asked Mitchell Wiggins in 2010 during a basketball camp. When he affirmed, the person replied, “He’s got a little something”, and Mitchell’s perception of his son changed thereafter. The unknown man was none other than Michael Jordan and Andrew Wiggins took part in the Jordan Brand camp that year, according to Mitchell’s claim. So when junior Wiggins was selected the 1st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, it was a full circle moment for Mitchell, who left the NBA with regret in his hearts.

Mitchell Wiggins represented the USA in the FIBA World Championship in 1982, winning a silver medal. The next year he joined the Bulls and played 82 games in his rookie season. A move to the Rockets soon followed. Tragedy struck when he was tested positive for banned substance and was suspended for 2 and a half year from the NBA. Mitchell made his return in the 1989 season and moved to the Sixers in 1991. Later in his life Wiggins moved abroad and played in Greece, France and Philippines before retiring in 2003.

“I felt I should’ve played more years in the NBA, so when my kids started loving the game, I had so many camps and clinics. They grew up in the gym. Just having Andrew drafted and having another son, Nicholas, who’s going to make the NBA, it just gives me closure,” Mitchell told the reporters after his son’s draft. He always believed that basketball is game of closure for him. Before passing at the age of 64, Andrew Wiggins gave him closure once again when he won the NBA championship with the Dubs in 2022. While his father’s passing could take a toll on Wiggins, the Dubs forward will always embrace the words of his old man and stay “true to who he is, stays grounded, stays humble”.