Mitchell Wiggins resided in his heavenly abode on Sept 13. The father of the Dubs’ forward Andrew Wiggins was an NBA player himself. Thus, when news of his passing broke, fans and players stood by the grieving family. In such tough times,  it’s difficult to fathom what Mitchell’s loved ones are going through. However, reminiscing on the fondest memories of his childhood hero, Andrew Wiggins’ every point and win from now on will be for his dad for sure.

NBA star Wiggins Jr. missed several games last season due to his father’s “serious medical condition,” The Athletic reported. This explains the fact that the icon wasn’t doing well for a while. Mitchell Wiggins, a 1982 FIBA World Championship silver medalist with the U.S. men’s team, had a career marked by both achievements and challenges. He played six seasons in the NBA and the next half in the Greek League. Andrew Wiggins’ dad’s impact on the G-League is an example of his great gameplay and strategy. But before his success in Greece, Mitchell’s topsy-turvy career is worth remembering. So, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

Andrew Wiggins’ dad’s journey in the NBA began with the Chicago Bulls

In 1983, the Indiana Pacers selected Mitchell Wiggins as their 23rd overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, the Chicago Bulls traded Sidney Lowe to the Indiana Pacers for Mitchell Wiggins. Wiggins was with the Bulls for just a season and played 82 regular games. With an average of 12 points per game, 4 rebounds, and two assists, he next found himself under the umbrella of the Houston Rockets. Andrew Wiggins’s career with the Rockets stretched for six years and 4 seasons. But, shouldn’t it be six years and six seasons?

Mitchell Wiggins’ failed doping test

The Bulls traded Mitchell Wiggins in the 1984 offseason. They wanted Caldwell Jones of the Houston Rockets and therefore Wiggins found a spot with the latter. The first two seasons were as normal as it could be, however, 1987 was like a cork in a bottle’s mouth. A failed doping test and two years of ban for both Lewis Lloyd and Mitchell Wiggins was a big blow for the Houston Rockets.

David Stern, the league commissioner, announced the suspension under the 1983 drug testing agreement between the NBA and the Players’ Association. Both guards of the Rockets were out of the court for the next two years and finally returned in 1989. It surely was a tough time for the then-27-year-old Wiggins.

Mitchell Wiggins averaged 10.3 points in 21 minutes per game and came off the bench behind John Lucas and Lloyd. Mitchell Wiggins’ Rockets journey wasn’t as glorious as one could have imagined. Moreover, not finding a spot in the starting minutes also somewhat affected his overall game. He pledged $10 to the Salvation Army for every point scored.

In his return season, he ended up averaging a career-high 15.5 points per game. A drive to prove himself, pushed Mitchell to do his best, but to no avail. He was left without a contract and missed the 1990-91 season.

The 76ers gave Mitchell Wiggins a chance

Andrew Wiggins’ dad found his next stop at the Philadelphia 76ers after being released as a free agent in 1991. None of the teams except the Sixers were interested in having Wiggins in their team. The additional agony was his two-year ban, which influenced the decisions of the teams. After playing only one season with Philadelphia, totaling 49 games and averaging 4.3 PPG, Mitchell Wiggins never returned to the NBA.

Soon, Wiggins moved to play in the G-League where his true potential as a basketball player came out before the world. This was a much-needed breakthrough for the former NBA hooper. And it is in the G-League that Andrew Wiggins’ dad got an All-Star nod, acquiring the legend’s tag.

Greek League, CSP Limoges, and more, Mitchell Wiggins stretched his wingspan beyond America

After his stint at the NBA, Mitchell Wiggins went to Europe to try his luck in their leagues. And to his utter surprise, a notable career awaited him. For the next 10 years, Wiggins found his fame in the Greek League, French League, and the Philippines Basketball Association. His most remarkable years were in the G-League where he played for major teams like Milon Nea Smyrni, Sporting Athens, and Panionios Nea Smyrni. With three G-League All-Stars registered to his tally, Mitchell Wiggins became a household name in Greece.

He also played in the French League for CSP Limoges and moved to the Philippines to play for the  Tondeña 65 Rhummasters. However, after his glorious career outside of America, Mitchell Wiggins returned to his country to play for several minor league teams. Over a long period of two decades, Andrew Wiggins’ hero, saw the highs and lows of basketball. From not finding a place in the starting minutes to being banned for two years, Mitchell Wiggins has experienced all.

Meanwhile, Wiggins Sr.’s success in the foreign leagues also shows that he had the talent, but the teams missed out on utilizing it to the fullest. Moreover, Mitchell’s contribution to the U.S. Men’s Team in the 1982 FIBA World Championship was also commendable. Team USA returned home with silver medals adorning their necks, and Wiggins was a proud member of the squad. Sometimes, we tend to overlook the little contributions and achievements and chase for greatness. Mitchell Wiggins’ story is one such example.

And while his family will now live and breathe in his memories, all of Andrew Wiggins and his sibling’s achievements will be dedicated to their hero. An inspiration for many, and an eyesore for some, Mitchell Wiggins was a character in his world. And just like all athletes, rise, fall, and controversies became the parts and parcels of his life. A memorable journey though, you will always be remembered Wiggins Sr.